Explosive eruptions (click here for history at USGS) at Kilauea are thought to be caused when water comes into contact with hot or molten rock (magma) and flashes into steam. In 1924, this happened after the level of the lava lake in Halema'uma'u Crater dropped below the water table. The walls of the crater then collapsed and blocked the opening down which the lava had drained, allowing steam pressure to build up and cause violent explosions.
Scientists monitor eruptions at Hawaii volcano (click title to entry - thank you)
HONOLULU |
HONOLULU (Reuters) - Scientists were closely monitoring heightened activity at Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, after a fissure sent lava spewing 65 feet in the air.No homes were threatened and no campers were injured, said park rangers, who cautioned visitors to still keep their distance from the volcano.Kilauea has been in constant eruption for 28 years. But geologist Janet Babb of the U.S. Geological Survey said this weekend's activity indicates "new episodes in eruptions and further unknowns."...
