While the transformation of lava into hard, solid rock upon contact with the water is a sight to behold, it presents dangers as well.
Advertisement
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says lava from Kilauea’s Pua Po’o lava tube reached the ocean at 1:12 a.m. Hawaii time Tuesday morning.
It’s been almost three years since lava flowed into the sea on the Big Island.
The lava flow does not pose any immediate threat to nearby communities.
The Huffington Post reported the videos and photos of the event showed the bright red lava, with the temperature of about 2,000 degrees, rolling down the rocky southeastern coastline of Hawaii, resulting in a cloud of steam when it reached the water. That particular eruption kept dumping lava into the ocean until 2013.
She said that the flow from the ocean entry can be seen from the access road and more people are expected tonight and in the approaching days. It is unknown how long the lava flow will last this time as there was continuous flow from 2011 to 2013.
“Venturing too close to an ocean entry exposes you to flying debris created by the explosive interaction between lava and water”, the U.S. Geological Survey website states. Although park officials wisely suggest that visitors avoid the temptation to attempt to trek the “new land” near the cliff face as it was still unstable enough that it could slide into the sea.
Advertisement
Ferracane said if tradewinds are blowing, the lava plume tends to blow toward the park and away from the county access area on the other side of the flow.
