Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Hawaii Volcano : Lava From Erupting Volcano Sparks Wildfire "National Park"



Kilauea is a Hawaiian word for "spewing" or "much spreading" which accurately describes the type of lava flow that comes from an eruption of the volcano. According to Hawaiian legend, Kilauea is the home of the goddess Pele.


Authorities say lava from a volcano eruption in Hawaii has sparked a wildfire in Volcanoes National Park.Park firefighters said Monday that the blaze has burned at least 75 acres since Sunday. They say the lava is from the Kamoamoa eruption.

Park ranger Mardie Lane says the fire is creeping through Ohia forest in an area that has been burned at least twice due to lava flows.




Honolulu Park firefighters said Monday that the blaze has burned at least 75 acres (30 hectares) since Sunday. They say the lava is from the Kamoamoa eruption. Park ranger Mardie Lane says the fire is creeping through Ohia forest in an area that has been burned at least twice due to lava flows.



Before the eruption, one of the volcano crater floors dropped 370 feet, causing 150 small earthquakes.When a 535-yard long rift opened on the volcano's eastern side, the USGS captured an impressive photo as the lava shot through the surface.



The photo is displayed online as part of a pictorial history of Hawaii's March volcanic eruptions. The site also displays live webcam views of continuing activity at the Kilauea eruption site. The webcam views are updated every five minutes. The volcano is closed to tourism due to the unusual activity.

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