Nature can be terrifying and awe inspiring – often at the same time.
A rare photo taken in 1969 captured a perfectly symmetrical lava dome fountain spewing from the Kilauea Volcano in October of that year. While lava is an almost-frequent sight in Hawaii, a perfect dome is unusual to come across.
The USGS posted the astounding picture on Twitter along with some brief information about the captured phenomenon:
“This dome fountain is about 20 m (65 ft) high. Symmetrical dome fountains such as this are rare.”
Karen Hardison responded with another picture and information about what more traditional lava fountains look like:
“Incredible! You wouldn’t expect the erupting lava to be domed like that. You’d expect it to be jagged, like this below (USGS, although those jagged spires seem to encircle a hollowed center:”
Volcanic activity
Long before we had fireworks, the earth has created its own light shows, although we wouldn’t recommend sitting anywhere near these.
Volcanic eruptions and lava flows have changed and molded the face of the earth that we know, formed islands and even created mountains. Lava flowing both above and below ground has had a large impact on the world we know today. It’s an honor to get to see it in action.
Today, thanks to a connected world and the magic of live streams, we can even view video of active volcanoes in the moment without having to leave the safety of home.
Hawaii’s volcanoes are some of the most active and most astounding to watch, whether from within the Hawaiian Islands or across the world.
These geological events often occur without much warning and have been known to interrupt flights, cause the relocation of tourists, and even the destruction and evacuation of entire towns.
There is also a danger of larger volcanic eruptions causing sulfuric ash to enter the atmosphere, creating cold spells, bad harvests, and famine even thousands of miles away or years after an eruption. However, these are rare events.
The majority of volcanic activity we will see in our lifetime will only affect the local area in which the active volcanoes are located.
The Kilauea Volcano
The volcano that offered a photographer the perfect chance to capture a dome of lava is the Kilauea Volcano.
It is an active shield volcano in the Hawaiian Islands. It is also the most active of the volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii. The volcano is thought to be between 200,000 and 300,000 years old. Forming under the ocean, it originally rose above sea level approximately 100,000 years ago.
Since then, it has rarely had a dull moment.
Many visitors take the risk just to see the lava-filled crater up close on its less active days.
Others have had the opportunity to see the volcano in even more active states of eruption.
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Kilauea has erupted almost constantly since 1983. While providing an amazing sight for tourists, it has also caused a significant amount of property damage for residents. In 1990, it destroyed the town of Kalapana. In 2018, it added the town of Kapoho to its long list of destruction.
A 2018 eruption of the volcano was even accompanied by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake, causing a significant number of evacuations. as well as some amazing lava flows.
There is never a dull moment with Kilauea.
