Kīlauea: The Eternal Flame of Hawaii
Imagine a volcano that has been spewing molten lava for over 300,000 years—Kīlauea is not just a natural wonder; it’s a living testament to the raw power and beauty of our planet. Located along the southeastern shore of Hawaii Island, Kīlauea is more than just an active shield volcano—it’s a symbol of nature’s resilience and adaptability.
The Birth and Evolution of Kīlauea
How did this giant come to be? Kīlauea started as a submarine volcano, growing taller through underwater eruptions before breaking the surface. It has been active throughout its history, with evidence of recent activity including cinder cones, satellite shields, and lava tubes. The volcano’s age range is between 300,000 to 600,000 years, making it one of the youngest volcanoes in the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain.
The Summits and Rift Zones
At Kīlauea’s summit lies a large caldera named Kaluapele, measuring 4 by 3.2 km. Two active rift zones radiate from its summit—one leading east and the other towards the southwest. The southwestern rift zone is less defined compared to the eastern one, hosting five historical eruptions while the eastern rift zone had 24 events.
The Hilina Fault System
A prominent structure on Kīlauea’s southern flank is the Hilina fault system, an active fault that slips vertically at a rate of 2-20 mm per year. This system has played a significant role in shaping the volcano’s landscape and contributing to its ongoing activity.
Historical Eruptions
Kīlauea entered a 300-year period of explosive eruptions from around 1510 to 1790, with tephra formed after lava erupted hundreds of meters into the sky. The earliest reliable written records date back to about 1820, and the first eruption well-documented by westerners occurred in 1823. Since then, Kīlauea has been studied extensively by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory since its foundation in 1912.
From January 3, 1983, to September 2018, Kīlauea erupted nearly continuously. This period was its longest-duration of activity in modern times, producing 3.5 km3 of lava and resurfacing 123.2 km2 of land. The volcano’s eruption from January 1983 to September 2018 covered nearly all of the 1983-86 lava flows and large areas of coastline, adding 442 acres and destroying 215 structures.
Starting in March 2018, rapid inflation at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō led to the collapse of its crater floor and formation of new fissures and lava flows in lower Puna. May 21 saw two lava flows reaching the Pacific Ocean, creating a toxic laze cloud. By June 4, lava had crossed through Kapoho and entered the ocean, destroying 87 houses in Leilani Estates and nearby areas.
The volcano erupted frequently from 1967-1982, with notable events including a massive eruption in 1968, Mauna Ulu’s marathon effusive eruption from 1969-1974, and an earthquake that paused activity near the craters Pauahi and Hiʻiaka in 1973. The most recent eruptions began in March 2008, with a new vent opening at Halemaʻumaʻu in 2008, forming a new crater with explosive events throughout the year.
Kīlauea’s ecological community is threatened by lava flows and ash that incinerate forest sections. The majority of species on the island are endemic due to its isolated lineage, making it vulnerable to invasive species and human development. The volcano affects local climate through trade winds, resulting in a moister windward side and an arid leeward flank.
The first foreigner to arrive at Hawaii was James Cook in 1778. William Ellis, an English missionary, observed Kīlauea in detail in 1823. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory was established in 1912 under Thomas Jaggar, who pioneered seismological and observational study of the volcano.
Kīlauea is not just a natural wonder; it’s a living testament to the raw power and beauty of our planet. From its birth as a submarine volcano to its continuous activity today, Kīlauea continues to shape the landscape and ecology of Hawaii Island. Its ongoing eruptions and the impact on local communities make it one of Earth’s most active volcanoes, drawing millions of visitors each year to witness this natural spectacle.
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This page is based on the article Kīlauea published in Wikipedia (retrieved on December 24, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
