Monday, January 25, 2010

Molten lava visible on pali ~ DI-Deflation/Inflation stalls

A lazily rising sulfur dioxide plume rises into the vog filled air at Halema’uma’u this morning.

I was not out at the County viewing area last night but those that were reported they could still see active molten lava lobes after dark. Also, USGS thermal imagery recorded small but strong lava flow in two locations above and near to the edge of the pali; as viewed from the coast a few miles below.


The stalled DI -Deflation/Inflation represents a weak but stable movement of magma below Kilauea Caldera and lava from the eruption site near Pu`u O`o. So that may support the active lava on the flow fields above, and on the edge of the pali; allowing partial views of molten lava after dark in the County viewing area tonight.

Air quality in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been good & bad off & on this morning:

Halema’uma’u Crater reportedly had intermittent strong glow last night and early this morning. If wind directions cooperate, tonight might also offer visitors a chance to see this active lava vent’s red glow being displayed; especially from the Jaggar Museum balcony overlook.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open all night.

2 comments:

  1. Aloha Leigh, do you know if there is still no lava reaching the ocean?

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  2. Sorry for the late reply Jessica

    There has been no lava reaching the ocean for nearly three weeks now. The two recent inflation periods sent molten lava down the mountain a short ways but it never has reclaimed the previous lava tubes. We might have to wait for a stronger new flow to make it to the sea and form new tubes.

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