Volcanic Eruption

Sept. 28, 2020

Procedural volcanic eruption sequence simulated and rendered in Houdini. Lava flows were solved using FLIP fluid dynamics with localized divergence attributes and emissive color-mapped shaders. Atmospheric plume and ash effects were achieved with sparse Pyro dynamics modulated by custom VEX controllers driving combustion and temperature dissipation. Volcanic lightning arcs were synthesized with a custom procedural branching tool built in VEX.

Production Renders

Volcano wide shot with lightning discharge — Wide shot capturing initial caldera detonation and atmospheric lightning discharge.

Volcano eruption plume detail — Volumetric ash column and particulate illumination.

Caldera brim close-up — Caldera rim detail showing FLIP lava divergence and dense turbulent smoke rolling down the mountain slopes.

Pyroclastic smoke detail — Caldera rim detail showing FLIP lava divergence and dense turbulent smoke rolling down the mountain slopes.

Lava crusting and temperature render — Lava surface showing procedural crusting as surface temperature cools away from the core vents.

Full eruption dusk shot — Atmospheric color passes capturing sunset illumination and nocturnal emissive glow.

Crater night lighting render — Atmospheric color passes capturing sunset illumination and nocturnal emissive glow.