Kilauea Volcano has been steadily emitting a flow of lava since January 1983. Historically, Kilauea has been one of the world’s most active volcanos. It’s frequent eruptions have shaped the island as well as the ecosystem of the Big Island. In recent years, even the banyan trees on the other side of the island have been showing signs of succumbing to the frequent presence of vog, or volcanic organic gasses.
The currently active flow that has been dominating island news began on June 27, 2014. The flow continues to extend its reach, passing through manmade structures as though they didn’t exist. Residential areas are now being impacted, with roads being closed, utilities threatened, businesses impacted, and more. Here are a few photos taken by the US Geological Survey that might help to put this tremendous power in perspective.
You can follow the latest developments and see new photos almost daily on the USGS website at hvo.wr.usgs.gov/
This distant photo shows the flow was still active on October 28. It's getting very close to the small town of Pāhoa.
Burning through the trees and vegetation, the lava flow goes where it wants...
On Monday, this was a fence marking a property line. The lava could care less...
Relentless in its push forward, the lava continued to move through the property on Wednesday. At this point, the lava was just 700 feet from Pāhoa Village Rd.
As the flow advances across the Pāhoa cemetery, the crust inflates to almost chest high. Cracks show the glowing lava beneath, which will continue to push forward.
Normal photo of the flow's advance. Note the area outlined by the white box. The next photo is a thermal image of that area.
A thermal image of the outlined area. The white and yellow areas show high temperatures at the flow front. Behind the front, there are still lava breakouts.
This geologist may be the first to walk this newly formed lava field. The lava, known as pahoehoe, is still expanding and is chest high in some places.
What does it take to keep the electric on? Protection unlike anything you've seen before. This system appears to be working!(Photo: Hawaii Electric Light Co.)
This palm tree near that Pāhoa cemetery is surrounded by lava...