July 15, 2018 Lava Surge & New Island
Lava surges, huge ocean entries, and a brand new island to the east!
Recent large earthquakes at Kilauea Volcano’s summit have been linked to surges of lava at Fissure 8 of the lower east rift zone eruption. Last night’s quake at Halemaumau Crater measured 5.4, and we watched the surge arrive at Fissure 8 this morning at 6am. The extra lava pumped into the system caused an overflow which moved southeast from what is now the eruption’s main vent… but the flow never left the previously erupted flow field and did not endanger the homes nearby. The newly created island continues to grow off the eastern coast near what was once Kapoho Bay. Upwellings of lava below the sea created the small island, which is rapidly becoming a peninsula, as a black sand beach is slowly connecting it to Hawaii Island. Just four days ago, Ahalanui Beach Park (Hot Pond) and Kua O Ka La Charter School were covered by lava from the current LERZ eruption of Kilauea volcano. Pele has now created an enormous ocean entry nearby, just a half mile from Pohoiki. The ocean entry continues to pour lava into the ocean, with littoral explosions occurring regularly, and slowly moving south toward the surf beaches and boat ramp at Pohoiki. The source of the eruption upslope is, of course Fissure 8. Fissure 8 is still very active, sending 2-thousand degree hot liquid lava downslope in rivers… to the ocean entry some eight miles below. Leilani, First Responder Fireman Ducky, Special Guest Dr Phil Ong, Bruce Omori and I took full advantage of another terrific Paradise Helicopters’ charter this morning! Pilot Sean Regehr and Paradise Helicopters no ka oi!!! Mahalo plenny!!!
Mahalo to Paradise Helicopters and Bruce Omori at Extreme Exposure