A simple model of the ascent of the volatiles above basaltic fissure eruptions shows that atmospheric moisture may play an important role in injecting volatiles high into the atmosphere. As ambient water vapor is entrained and carried upwards by the plume, it decompresses and some condensation may occur. This causes the release of latent heat which heats up the air and thereby increases the buoyancy of the plume enabling it to ascend several kilometers higher than in a dry atmosphere. The height of such plumes also increases with the mass fraction of fine ash in the fountain. Although very simple, the model predictions are in accord with observations of plume heights during historical eruptions including the 1984 eruption of Mauna Loa. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1993