There is a lava lake that sits within the Kilauea Volcano at the Halema’uma’u Crater in Hawaii, and it has risen to its highest levels in years. Formed it 2008, the lake is now splattering above the crater rim, creating loud popping sounds in the process.
Visitors Awed By The Rising And Falling Lava Lake
Yesterday, the lava lake rose again, and now exists about 7o feet away from the rim. Such activity is deemed normal; however, it is uncertain if the lake will continue to rise. USGS geologists believe that this phenomena is caused from inflation that suddenly started on Tuesday, and is expected to last into Thursday. During this time, magma rises into the reservoir. Usually, it then enters the deflation process or either remains there and erupts.
The very loud rumbling sounds and the spattering of the lava can be very beautiful for visitors around the crater drive and Jagger Museum observation points. This is something that doesn’t pose a threat to any residents of the area and is actually quite a treat to experience for those willing to travel to the volcano. Presently, lava flow continues from vents at the southeast edge of the crater at Pu’u’ O O.
Lava Lake Forming Since September
Kilauea is the most active volcano in Hawaii and has been erupting since the early 80s. The lava lake is caused from the eruption of the Kilauea volcano back in September, which has continuously sent lava in the direction of the Puna district in Hawaii. It continues to erupt at two separate locations: one is located within the Halema’uma’u Crater, which is where the rising lava lake can be viewed from the Jagger Museum. The second is the Pu’u’ O O, located about ten miles east of the summit near the East rift. The Pu’u’ O O area is not accessible to the public and is an area of active lava travel. Observations from the location show that there has not been change to the percentage of ground tilt.
At the moment, Christine Wauthier, a professor from Penn State is looking to conduct research on the volcano and the lava flow to see why it has been so active lately. She plans to do so by gathering satellite images from databases, looking for changes that occur before and after the eruption. In the meantime, officials continue to monitor the lava lake in the event that it does cause a threat to the public.
What is it like to travel to the top of a volcano? Here’s a glimpse:
