USGS Photo: Looking down on the small channelized ‘a‘ā flow moving through the kipuka.

Scientists Record Channelized Lava Breakouts On Pali

Big Island Video News

Dec 22, 2017

STORY SUMMARY

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - The USGS has posted several photos, and a video, documenting a recent trip out to the active breakout burning one of the remaining kipuka on the pali.

USGS: A small ‘a‘ā flow moving through the remains of a kipuka.

(BIVN) – Channelized breakouts were active on the pali Thursday, feeding a small ‘a‘ā flow moving through the remains of a kipuka.

The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says the episode 61g flow is still active. A field visit confirmed surface lava flow activity persists on the upper portion of the flow field, on the pali, and in limited areas of the coastal plain.

https://www.facebook.com/BigIslandVideoNews/videos/1632712813434000/

USGS video on Facebook.

The USGS scientists returned with photos and videos, showing the lava flowing downhill.

USGS: ‘A‘ā and pāhoehoe lava on the steep portion of the pali.
USGS: A close up of the ‘a‘ā flow texture, showing the fluid, incandescent interior as well as the rubbly clinker.

These lava flows pose no threat to nearby communities at this time, the scientists say. The ocean entry has been inactive since late November.

USGS: Breakouts were also active on the coastal plain, close to the base of the pali. Here, an HVO geologist marks a GPS waypoint.

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