Kīlauea

Kīlauea is an active shield volcano located on the Island of Hawaiʻi. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and a prominent feature of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Kīlauea is renowned for its effusive eruptions, characterized by slow-moving lava flows rather than explosive eruptions, although explosive activity has occurred historically.

Geology and Formation:

Kīlauea is formed from the Hawaiian hotspot, a stationary plume of magma rising from deep within the Earth's mantle. As the Pacific Plate moves slowly northwestward over the hotspot, magma erupts onto the seafloor, building up volcanic islands. Kīlauea is thought to be relatively young geologically, estimated to be between 300,000 and 600,000 years old. It emerged above sea level approximately 100,000 years ago. Its summit contains a large volcanic crater, Halemaʻumaʻu, which has been the site of numerous eruptions. Kīlauea also has two active rift zones, extending east and southwest from the summit, where magma frequently intrudes and erupts.

Eruptive History:

Kīlauea has a long and complex eruptive history. For much of the 20th and 21st centuries, Kīlauea has been in a state of near-continuous eruption. From 1983 to 2018, the Puʻuʻōʻō cone on the East Rift Zone was the site of a prolonged effusive eruption, producing extensive lava flows that destroyed homes and altered the landscape. In 2018, a major eruption occurred in the Lower East Rift Zone, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of homes in the Leilani Estates and Kapoho areas. This eruption was preceded by a collapse of the Puʻuʻōʻō cone and an increase in seismic activity. Following the 2018 eruption, Kīlauea's summit caldera underwent significant changes, including a dramatic increase in size due to subsidence. Eruptions have occurred intermittently since then, often within Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Monitoring and Hazards:

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continuously monitors Kīlauea for signs of volcanic activity. This monitoring includes tracking ground deformation, gas emissions, seismic activity, and thermal features. The data collected helps scientists to understand the volcano's behavior and to provide warnings about potential hazards. Hazards associated with Kīlauea include lava flows, volcanic gases (such as sulfur dioxide), vog (volcanic smog), explosive eruptions, ashfall, and ground deformation.

Cultural Significance:

In Hawaiian culture, Kīlauea is considered the home of Pele, the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Eruptions are often interpreted as expressions of her power and temperament. Offerings and ceremonies are traditionally performed to honor Pele and seek her favor. The volcano and its surrounding landscape hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Hawaiian people.

Impact on the Environment:

Kīlauea's volcanic activity has a significant impact on the surrounding environment. Lava flows can destroy vegetation and alter habitats. Volcanic gases can contribute to air pollution and acid rain. However, volcanic activity also creates new land and enriches the soil with minerals, supporting unique ecosystems. The volcanic landscapes of Kīlauea are a major draw for tourists, contributing to the local economy.