happykeeper
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Aloha from Hawaii Island,
Thanks to everyone for their interest and concern.
It's been an active time on the island as Pele goes through some dramatic changes. The lava lake first opened up on the summit of Kilauea in 2007-08 and for the last decade has shared the spotlight with Pu'u O'o, the vent that has been erupting for nearly 30 years and has sent lava down the slopes of Kilauea on and off ever since. During that time, the summit lava lake has grown a fair amount in width but has most often been an opportunity for visitors and islanders alike to see the white plume of an active lava lake during the day and the glowing red of a lava caldron at night.
The recent changes have seen the summit lava lake drop nearly 1000 feet and, more dramatically, the Pu'u O'o vent drain away entirely. Both events have occured in conjunction with the filling of magma chambers further down the rift zone that travels through Puna. As the eruption progresses, there is the potential for more challenges ahead for those directly affected by the new fissures that have opened up. To date, no loss of life or limb has been reported as far as I am aware.
We are not in the area that is being affected. The vast majority of the island is not affected. Still, many of us know someone who may be affected and to that end, encourage everyone to avoid speculating and sensationalizing the event and to stay away from the eruption area where residents and county officials are engaged in the important business of keeping people safe, supporting those that need help, and preparing for additional eruptions.
Thanks to everyone for their interest and concern.
It's been an active time on the island as Pele goes through some dramatic changes. The lava lake first opened up on the summit of Kilauea in 2007-08 and for the last decade has shared the spotlight with Pu'u O'o, the vent that has been erupting for nearly 30 years and has sent lava down the slopes of Kilauea on and off ever since. During that time, the summit lava lake has grown a fair amount in width but has most often been an opportunity for visitors and islanders alike to see the white plume of an active lava lake during the day and the glowing red of a lava caldron at night.
The recent changes have seen the summit lava lake drop nearly 1000 feet and, more dramatically, the Pu'u O'o vent drain away entirely. Both events have occured in conjunction with the filling of magma chambers further down the rift zone that travels through Puna. As the eruption progresses, there is the potential for more challenges ahead for those directly affected by the new fissures that have opened up. To date, no loss of life or limb has been reported as far as I am aware.
We are not in the area that is being affected. The vast majority of the island is not affected. Still, many of us know someone who may be affected and to that end, encourage everyone to avoid speculating and sensationalizing the event and to stay away from the eruption area where residents and county officials are engaged in the important business of keeping people safe, supporting those that need help, and preparing for additional eruptions.