The Pu`u `O`o-Kupaianaha eruption of Kilauea, now in its twenty-fourth year and 55th eruptive episode, ranks as the most voluminous outpouring of lava on the volcano's east rift zone in the past five centuries. By January 2007, 3.1 cubic km of lava had covered 117 km2 and added 201 hectares to Kilauea's southern shore. In the process, lava flows destroyed 189 structures and resurfaced 14 km of highway with as much as 35 m of lava.
There is concern about the direction of the lava flow and if it will reach populated areas. Shortly thereafter the initial eruptions, the lava began to slow and cool. Areas where the lava vents are located started to pool lava into huge domes.
Some of the lava domes deflated and spilled lava in the form of 'a'a which is a jagged rocky slow moving form of lava. The concern that lava tubes could form and more faster flowing lava called pahoehoe could endanger populated areas. So far that hasn't happened, till now.
Lava from one of the fissures that has pooled has started deflate and flow towards the Royal Gardens subdivision.
This map of the lower part of the big island where Kilauea is shows the extent of the lava flow and the distance to the surrounding subdivisions.
You can see the lava flow approaching north of the Royal Gardens subdivision. At this time, the lava flow is about 0.8 of a mile away from the upper boundary of the subdivision. It should be noted that only two people are known to actually still live in this subdivision. This subdivision was also devastated years ago by previous lava flows.
This aerial view show the lava flowing downwards towards the Royal Gardens subdivision.
Here's a picture of past lava flow over a rock wall.
As the lava approaches the ocean it forms new land mass that helps build the Big Island.
Once reaching the ocean, clouds of steam and gas begins to fill the air. It's dangerous to approach not only because of the extreme heat, but the poisonous gases that can kill.
Well, there's always dinner!
Shrimp Scampi with a garden salad (not pictured)
