November 24, 2016 New Lava Flow
Mahalo Jake Shimabukuro for the use of his song “Kilauea” from his new album “Nashville Sessions” now available on JS Records!
A new lava flow, which started Monday of this week continues flowing east from just below the Pu`u `O`o vent. As of Thanksgiving morning, the flow had advanced about 3/4ths of a mile from the vent. Numerous pahoehoe toes dot the surface of the flow, and a sizable skylight at the top reveals lava steadily feeding its downslope outbreaks. A new surface flow is sending lava down the face of the Pali. Pele’s lava rivers there are quite robust, and a new one broke out as we filmed. Rainy weather made our documentation difficult, but also created a gorgeous rainbow above the ocean entry. The 61G flow continues unabated, dumping tons of lava into the pacific ocean at Kamokuna just inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Pele sends her flows through the tube system from the vent some six miles to the new lava delta, which continues to make the Big Island bigger, minute by minute, day by day. Heavy flows into the water frequently explode as the cool sea water is not able to cool them off quickly enough, and the resulting steam sends lava rocks skyward. The lava delta is enormous… well over 20 acres large now, even though cracks indicate a collapse may decrease that figure at any time. The huge plume of laze from the ocean entry can be seen for many miles. We saw no tour boats, nor any other visitors on shore watching the creation of the newest land on earth. Pele continues to form new black sand beaches along the coast near her ocean entries. The hot lava’s interaction with the cold seawater shattering the flow into bits that are then tumbled into submission. Come take in this magnificent sight while you can… visitors can gain access from either the Kalpana of HVNP side by walking out the temporary access road, which goes directly to the ocean entry! The walk is lengthy, however, and precautions should be observed. Bruce Omori and I had another terrific charter flight with the Smiley Face Paradise pilot, Colin Burkardt at the controls. Happy holidays, everybody!
Mahalo to Paradise Helicopters and Bruce Omori at Extreme Exposure
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