Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 14.6: New ocean entry, 30 day info graphic and volcanoes as weather makers
Fissure 8 is still going strong
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/multimedia_uploads/multimediaFile-2170.jpg)
The lava flow that originated from Fissure 8 is entering the ocean at Kapaho Bay.
volcanoes.usgs.gov
The flow advancing from Fissure 8 has now made ocean entry at Kapoho Bay. A robust channel is transporting lava all the way from the spattering fissure northeastward, along Highway 132, to the ocean. At the entry point, a laze plume was created that blowed inland, but as ceased quickly.
On the following to maps you can see the full extend of the lava flows. Note the extreme heat signature in the second image that retains to the full extend of the flow.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/maps_uploads/image-467.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/maps_uploads/image-468.jpg)
Top: lava flow map. Bottom: heat map of the Fissure 8 lava flow. Greyscale shows relative heat, brightest parts being the hottest.
volcanoes.usgs.gov
At Fissure 8 itself, activity shows no sign of weakening. Although activity varies, overall the eruptions are as strong as ever. The USGS has shown a beautiful comparitative thermal image of the fountaining at Fissure 8 from May 30th and June 3rd. On those images it is clear that the lava fountains have gained height. During the activity, the erupting lava has build up a cone (called pu’u) downwind. The amount of material that is transported further downwind (e.g., the mentioned Pele’s hair) exceeds the size of this cone significantly, but it is still amazing to see how much can change in such a short time-span.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/multimedia_uploads/multimediaFile-2172.png)
volcanoes.usgs.gov
Nice Summary Info graphic from the USGS
It now has been thirty days since the eruptions at Kīlauea volcano started. For this occasion the USGS has published a beautiful graphic showing all facts surrounding the erupitons of the Kīlauea volcano.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://prd-wret.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/Kilauea-infographic-final.png?itok=s0PPBjkg)
usgs.gov
Volcanoes, the weather makers
On their volcano facebook page, the USGS has published a neat little fact. It seems like the eruptions are now creating their own weather. Scientist form the Hawaiian Volcano observatory are starting to observe pyrocumulus clouds. The clouds are created by the eruption fissures all around the Leilani Estates. In other sources these phenomena are called flammagenitus clouds.
They are formed by intense heating of the air at the ground. The super heated air causes convection and quickly rises upwards until it reaches a point of stability. When moisture is present during this process, clouds are forming. Like normal clouds, the pyrocumulus clouds can create lightning, therefore representing a hazard. The difference is that the thunderstorms in pyrocumulus clouds are dry, meaning they do not occur in the presence of rain.
Generally, this type of cloud is observed above forest fires or associatd with large explosive eruptions. This instance shows that this type of phenomena can also be caused by fissures.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://scontent.fybz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33814913_2045227492172468_208699405874757632_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=7b09353d2530ebbeae59549bce19407d&oe=5B7A526E)
Pyrocumulus cloud near Fissure 8.
facebook/usgs
Previous Posts
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 1: Introduction
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 2: The Hawaiian Hotspot
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 3: A growing volcano
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 4: The Rejuvenation Stage
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 5: Evolution to Atolls and Seamounts
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 6: Mythology vs Geology
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 7: Recent eruptions
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 8: Volcano Monitoring
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 9: Predicting Eruptions
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 10: Volcanic Air Pollution
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 11: Volcanoes falling apart… from Landslides and Tsunamis
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 12: Benefits of Volcanoes
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 13: The Double Volcano Chain
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 14.1: Current eruption of Kīlauea
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 14.2: Update on the current eruption of Kīlauea
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 14.3: Ongoing eruption of Kīlauea
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 14.4: Lava from Kīlauea has reached the ocean
Hawaiian volcanoes - Part 14.5: Fissure 8 flow advancing
References
https://www.usgs.gov/news/k-lauea-volcano-erupts
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/thirty-days-activity-k-lauea-volcano
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/status.html
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flammagenitus_(cloud)
https://www.facebook.com/USGSVolcanoes/
https://www.facebook.com/USGSVolcanoes/photos/a.984262971602264.1073741827.984239038271324/2045227485505802/?type=3&theater
Man, that first picture really gives a good sense of scale.
But I have to say, I'm pretty sure flammagenitus is really just a spell in Harry Potter.
I don't think I will be able to read flammegenitus ever again without mentally swinging a wand :P Thanks for the image :)
You're welcome. I have now also temporarily set your breathing to manual mode.
Hola @sooflauschig
Definitivamente la Tierra está enloqueciendo. Volcanes activos en Hawai y Guatemala, terremotos y temblores por doquier.
¿Será que la Tierra está reclamando su libertad?
Saludos y Gracias por el artículo
Regular eruptions on Hawaii are normal, given the geological setting, and should not come to anyones surprise. Especially in the rift zone that has been active for 100 years.
The eruption of mount fuego is a tragedy. And although it is the biggest eruption in 100 years, the volcano has been constantly active.
I do not think that the Earth is trying to claim it's freedom, but that it is behaving the way it always did. It is the humans that feel the need to settle in close proximity to imminent danger.
Thanks for the update! Really good compilation of up-to-date news on this exciting eruption! Cheers!
Nice explanation about the Hawaiian geological activities !
Read my profile if want me to resteem your post to over 72,500 followers. @a-0-0
Hello @sooflauschig
A collection of beautiful pictures of a bad event. I watched this on the television yesterday night. The amount of destruction caused by the volcano larva flow is indescribable. Condolences to the bereaved.
Regards.
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