Humanity has lived with them since ancient times. When they unleash their fury they darken the skies, burying people and entire towns. Find out all about it here Kilauea volcano, an impressive Hawaiian volcano, learn about its history, ecology and much more
What is a volcano?
The transformation in relief is called a volcano, which lies in the cut produced in a region of the earth's crust, which has a conical shape and where material from the Earth's core is stored.
At the top of this formation, the crater is located. Through this structure flows all the molten rock material, which is generated in the lower levels of the Earth.
From time to time, gas, ash and lava are expelled. Producing a certain balance, inside the core of the planet.
Kilauea volcano and its characteristics
- It is part of the hyperactive shield of the Island of Hawaii and one of the five most active volcanoes. Both regionally and globally, as is the case with Ecuador volcanoes.
- Its name comes from the native language and means throw, expel or extend.
- The altitude of this volcano is more than 1200 meters, and the lava it expels is one of the most fluid ever recorded.
- In the upper part of the volcano its caldera can be easily located. This structure has a depth of more than 150 meters and its radius exceeds 5000 meters.
- It is located throughout the southern part of Hawaii. The age of these volcanic formations does not exceed 600 thousand years. Scientists determined that it emerged from the depths of the sea, just 100 thousand years.
- El hawaiian volcano Kilauea, is the number two of the five volcanoes, which emerged from the hot spot of the island. It is also part of the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain, the current epicenter of eruptions.
- As a neighbor it has the Mauna Loa volcano, which for many years scientists believed that it was the same volcanic formation. But recent investigations were able to show that it has independent structures.
- Structurally, the Kilauea volcano has a summit and on it you can see the caldera and two fracture areas that go 125 kilometers to the east and 35 kilometers to the west.
- Its vertical fault line has an annual displacement of approximately 20 millimeters. But even scientists do not know its true depth.
Kilauea volcano formation
Just as it happened with the rest of the volcanoes that are located on the Island of Hawaii. The Kilauea volcano is a product of the passage of the Pacific tectonic plate.
Through a period that exceeds 70 million years, the chain of underwater mountains Hawaii-Emperor and the Kilauea volcano, is the formation that recently formed.
It is the youngest volcanic formation of the entire Hawaiian Island volcanic group and scientists estimate that it may be no older than 600 years. This chain of volcanoes can encompass areas as remote as the Kuril-Kamchatka trench in Russia.
According to models of volcanic formations, the Kilauea volcano began as a Hawaiian volcano under the sea. Which, was gradually increasing in size, thanks to underwater volcanic expulsions.
Approximately 100 years ago, Kilauea began its emersion process, generated by a series of effusive and explosive eruptions that have been taking place since the last three centuries.
Despite its 600 thousand years, the Kilauea volcano is the youngest of the entire Hawaiian volcanic complex. Reason why the researchers affirm that future eruptions will continue to model the relief and appearance of the volcano and the Island.
Structure
Since the progress in its formation process is known, the Kilauea volcano has been in constant eruption. Except in the 1930s and 1950s, which remained in a period of absolute rest.
A large part of the volcano is made up of cooled lava rivers, ashes and remains of solid fragments of volcanic materials, which were expelled through the eruption column.
Most of its surface is covered with layers of volcanic material, approximately a thousand years old. With the passage of time and as a result of the flow of fluid material, its structure was created from the seabed. Reason why a large part is located under water.
Because the Kilauea volcano, it does not have a great height, apart from appearing as a mound on the southeastern side of the Mauna Loa volcano. For years, researchers and locals believed that it was an active annex.
Recent studies have shown that these two volcanic formations are completely independent. The magma deposits are different, but due to the proximity that unites them, when one of them enters a state of lethargy, the other increases its volcanic activity.
In the 30s and 50s, while the Kilauea volcano was dormant, there was an uptick in Mauna Loa activity. A similar situation occurred between 1952 and 1974, when Mauna Loa entered a volcanic recess, putting Kilauea into activity.
the summit of the volcano
On the crest of the Kilauea volcano, you can see the caldera that has a radius of 4 kilometers and internal cavities over 100 meters high. Volcanologists are not sure of the exact time of formation of this caldera. But they presume that it is not older than 500 years and is the product of the constant eruptions produced in the volcano.
Within the Kilauea caldera, there is a crater that is the product of the collapses generated from its eruption center, which have remained in constant activity throughout its history.
The crater of the Kilauea volcano measures approximately 900 meters and has a depth of about 90 meters. This volcanic structure has undergone great transformations throughout history and it is thanks to the eruptive episodes that have occurred.
There are two breaking areas that lead the lava from the top of the volcano. The first has a length of 125 kilometers in an easterly direction and the second rupture area, or break, has a southwesterly direction and is more than 30 kilometers in length.
The masses of lava that come out of the rupture zones, generate another portion of molten material towards the southern end of the Kilauea volcano, which flows directly into the Seas and oceans, with a fairly slow displacement.
The eastern part of the volcano is characterized by having on its surface remains of the molten material that has sprouted from its interior during the last four centuries.
Due to the activities in the rupture areas, ridge-type formations were produced throughout the eastern part of the volcano. Which makes this area the most active in Kilauea.
The lower portion of the eastern rupture side is located at a depth of just over 5 meters below sea level.
The southwest end of Kilauea is the area of least volcanic activity, remaining in a state of rest since 1974. This area of rupture, a well-defined crest line and a number of craters cannot be seen, is quite small.
fault system
One component present in the Hawaiian volcano system is the fault system. These have a vertical movement, which can cover up to 20 millimeters, through the entire system.
The average depth of the faults present in the Kilauea volcano is around half a kilometer. But the researchers still do not know if such a depth reaches the base of the volcanic cone.
Other structures that can be found in a volcanic structure are lava tubes, cinder cones and others that demonstrate recent activities.
In general, the activities of the Kilauea volcano have occurred in the caldera that is located in the highest part of the volcano, in the area of rupture of the extreme east and in the southwestern zone.
Kilauea volcano eruptions
Since it was discovered and characterized, Kilauea has been considered the most dynamic Hawaiian volcano. Its first activities correspond to the time of its formation in the submarine bed. The Kilauea volcano falls into the category of the most active on the planet and since its first eruption, it has remained active.
Kilauea's first volcanic event occurred in the early 1800s. Since then, the volcanic structure has remained active. At times, of slight intensity and others of great magnitude, frightening the entire population.
Volcanic activity generally develops on the crest of the Kilauea volcano or in the rupture area, in the extreme southwest. A liquid expulsion of volcanic material is permanently maintained, that is, they are not events, accompanied by large explosions.
The volcano is currently in eruption and it has been occurring continuously since the early 1980s. Therefore, it is considered the eruption phenomenon that has remained active for the longest time.
According to an observation made, at the beginning of the 21st century, scientists were able to determine that the Kilauea volcano probably produced about 4 km³ of lava. What caused an impact on the surrounding ecosystems. The Hawaiian volcanic complex is considered by the locals as sacred icons for their culture.
Kilauea volcano and its oldest activities
The oldest finding of Kilauea's eruption, according to the researchers, corresponds approximately to about 2800 years. These remains of volcanic material were found more than 20 kilometers from the caldera. For that reason, you can imagine, the magnitude of the explosion that occurred.
Below are some volcanic events that occurred. They were grouped by stages and range from the oldest to very recent dates.
Period 1790 – 1934
Although there are indications that the first eruptions of the Kilauea volcano occurred around 1790. Where a large number of people from the Keōua Kuahuʻula tribe died, the most reliable data dates from the year 1820.
Kilauea is considered the most active volcano on the entire planet Earth. Since 1823, more than 60 spaced eruptions have occurred and been recorded.
By the year 1823, it could be observed that the caldera of the Kilauea volcano had a greater depth than it currently has. But this phenomenon is due to the accumulation of volcanic material on the summit.
In the year 1840, an expulsion of approximately 3 km³ of lava took place.
Between 1840 and 1920, the production of volcanic material was reduced to half of what was generated at the beginning of 1840. That is, it had an approximate 1,5 km³ of lava.
There was a period of rest of three decades, between 1920 and 1950. Where the Kilauea volcano remained calm and with little eruptive activity. Starting in the 1950s, it has maintained a significant increase in its activity.
Kilauea remained active, with effusive eruptions during the years 1868, 1877, 1884, 1885, 1894 and 1918. Preparing for the great explosive eruption of 1919, where its caldera was overwhelmed by molten material, which drained to form Mauna Iki, inside his own cauldron.
The next big explosion took place in 1924, with the release of rocky material, up to 40 kilograms. Being able to reach distances of more than 50 meters. Being able to see a column of ashes, which reached 10 kilometers in height.
most recent eruptions
The eruption process, which currently presents the Kilauea volcano, is already more than three decades old. It began in January 1983 and could be observed as lava came out through a fracture of more than 7 kilometers.
To this day, lava continues to pour out of this crack. But it has maintained a certain state of repose, which brings tranquility to the inhabitants of the Island of Hawaii.
Corresponding eruptive stage between 1952 and 2011
The resting stage was interrupted in 1952, when there was a great explosion that the inhabitants near the volcano could observe. The volcanic activity of that occasion, expelled lava up to a height of 250 meters.
For that year of 1952, the eruption lasted four months and the lava columns reached 30 meters in height.
Successive eruptions occurred in the years: 1954 and 1955, resting until 1959. But in 1960 another event of great magnitude occurred, which caused the expulsion of large amounts of lava, which caused enormous material damage and damage to nearby ecosystems.
At the end of the 60s, another event of great proportions took place and continues to this day. From the crater of the Kilauea volcano, approximately 80.000.000 lava erupted and remained expelling volcanic material for 8 long months.
One of the longest eruption stages on the Island of Hawaii, corresponds to the period between 1969 and 1974. This time it did not take place on the crest of the volcano, but rather originated a new fissure, on one side of the structure.
In January 1983, the longest eruption process of the Kilauea volcano began.
During 1986, the volcanic activity was concentrated towards a new rupture area, from which large amounts of volcanic material came out, which could travel a distance of more than 10 kilometers to reach the sea.
The processes that occurred during 1992 caused a significant increase in the levels of lava that was expelled from inside the caldera.
Part of the destruction suffered by the Island of Hawaii, occurred during the first month of 2011. There was an eruption that let out the interior of Kilauea, the amount of 4 km³. Devastating in its path, more than 100 km² of green and residential areas.
Devastating 2018 eruption
In mid-2018, several dozen seismic movements of very low magnitudes were recorded. Before the largest and most explosive eruption on record, there was an earthquake measuring 5° on the Richter scale.
A large part of the population had to be evacuated in an emergency, due to the presence of large lava rivers that were heading towards the adjacent towns, becoming one of the largest Natural disasters of the island. The great eruption ceased to be destructive in September of that same year.
Kilauea volcano and its relationship with the ecosystem
Because of its geographical location, the Island of Hawaii is considered the furthest from the mainland. This feature makes it the owner of the most unique ecosystems.
Much of the plant and animal species can only be found on this island. And since the species of these ecological niches rarely have contact with external agents, which makes them more vulnerable to changes.
The wooded areas are threatened by the constant eruptions and their consequent expulsion of lava. Volcanic ash also affects the foliage of plants, which dramatically decreases the process of photosynthesis and oxygen production.
The volcanic material accumulated in the lower parts of the relief prevents the development of new plant species, which also affect the establishment of animals, due to lack of food.
The climatic conditions are affected by the incidence of winds coming from the northwest. When colliding with the walls of the Kilauea volcano, they are forced to rise, causing the side of incidence of the wind to be quite wet and the back side very dry.
The average annual rainfall on the Island of Hawaii is over 1900 millimeters, below 1000 meters above sea level. This characteristic is typical of the northern area, while to the south, the rains decrease. So it has become dry ecosystems.
The large ecosystem that borders the Kilauea volcano is made up of some kinds of ferns and various woody trees.
Its fauna is made up of different birds, as it is a great nesting center. In addition, to serve as a refuge for the hawksbill turtle.
Civilizations that have coexisted with Kilauea
Like the entire history of humanity, civilizations have always sought ways to adapt to the environment in which they find themselves. And the first settlers of the Island of Hawaii, do not escape that maxim.
ancient settlers
The inhabitants who first occupied the Hawaiian lands settled on the coasts of the island. Since, this allowed them to have access to food and guaranteed water supply.
The first villages that were established, as a means of subsistence included fishing activities and capturing flying birds. This activity was complemented with the planting of some horticultural items, as a complement to their diet.
Due to the excessive use of the materials available in nature, they caused the balance of the island to deteriorate rapidly. Generating a decrease in the number of native plants and birds, due to the crossing with foreign species.
Another significant change generated by the first settlers was the extinction of large communities of trees. Resulting in migratory movements being affected.
The island's volcanic complex was also of great religious importance. The villagers worshiped the 5 volcanoes as their sacred deities. For the ancient Hawaiians, the sky, representing the father, marries the mother earth. From that union the Island of Hawaii was born.
In the ancient language, Kilauea means "quickly spreading." And it represents the body of the magical-religious figure Pele, who is the goddess who controls fire, lightning, the wind and the fire-breathing mountains.
A Hawaiian legend tells that one day Pele and the rain god faced each other. Since Pele could, at will, make lava emerge from the center of the Earth, then the rain goddess covered Pele's house with fern leaves.
Unable to breathe, Pele stormed out of his house. When both gods realized that they could threaten the tranquility of the other. They decided to make peace and divide the island, equally.
Was modern
From the European continent, the first person to set foot in the domain of the Kilauea volcano was the British captain and cartographer James Cook. Who had the great task of doing the first cartographic survey of the island of Hawaii.
Another foreigner who also contributed to the observations and knowledge of Kilauea was the British physician and naturalist William Ellis. During the year 1823, he was in charge of touring the area of the Kilauea volcano and making the first written characterization of everything observed.
In 1840, the North American geologist and zoologist James Dwight Dana, had the task of thoroughly studying as much as possible of Kilauea. He was able to make hundreds of visits to the crest of the volcano, to faithfully describe everything he observed.
Thanks to James Dwight Dana, you can count on the first synthesis of his research, which was published in 1852. Then, between 1880 and 1881, he carried out a study of the entire geology of the island. In this investigation, Dwight Dana points out that Kilauea was not an independent volcano. On the contrary, he posited that it was a vent from the Mauna Loa volcano.
This theory that they belonged to the same volcanic body was refuted in 1884 by the North American geologist Clarence Edward Dutton. Establishing for the international scientific community that the Kilauea volcano was an independent structure of Mauna Loa.
In the XNUMXth century, the great leap to modernity was made. And with it a new stage in the studies of the Kilauea volcano begins. Hawaii's first volcano observation post was established.
This became a permanent post for the study of volcanic phenomena on the island and throughout the United States. Due to the need to know first-hand, all the incidents that occurred in the face of an event of such magnitude and the need to act in an emergency.
Currently this observation post is located at one end of the edge of the caldera of the Kilauea volcano.
Curiosities and more
In 1907, the American writer Jack London after visiting Hawaii, would write. That he had never been in a place that gave him so much satisfaction, as Hawaii.
Natural beauties that fall in love
When visiting these beautiful islands, you will be enchanted by their beautiful landscapes, which invite you to visit them and learn more about their geography. Some of the places that can be visited and the activities that are allowed are mentioned below.
Na pali
The boundaries of the Na Pali Coast extend from Ke'e Beach and end at Polihale Park, which is located within the Na Pali Coast State Park.
It is bordered by immense cliffs, which are over 600 meters high. In them you can find a varied grouping of plant and animal species, which are unique to that place.
After being converted into a national park, it was forbidden for the old communities to remain settled within its limits. This beautiful park is ideal for hiking and camping.
The Big Island of Hawaii
It is the largest of all the islands that make up the archipelago. The great beauty and natural resources it has can only be surpassed by the ability of the Kilauea volcano to gain ground as a result of its lava.
The island is ideal for scuba diving, where you can see the most spectacular corals, the variety of unique fish from all the oceans and the unbeatable feeling of being able to see the beautiful hawksbill turtles up close.
Those who visit its beautiful landscapes can also surf on the paradisiacal beaches of Kiholo Bay, Hapuna Beach, Waialea Bay, among others.
The imposing volcanic structure of Kilauea is another of the natural spectacles that Big Island offers.
The reproduction of whales is also one of the best tourist attractions on the island. You will be able to see it during the winter, in the extreme north of the Big Island.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world, of course if you measure it from the bottom of the water. In its upper part, approximately 4 kilometers away, you can see the Astronomical Observatory.
From the summit, you have the possibility to appreciate the most beautiful sunsets. But it is advisable to dress warmly, since temperatures can reach 5°C.
Inspiration and life, which come from the sea
The Hawaiian Islands do not have a continental shelf, they rise from the depths of the ocean. Even so, the reefs that have formed support the most varied ecosystems, which are home to countless fish.
They also give shelter to the different species of turtles that inhabit and reproduce in their protected areas. In addition, the Hawaiian seal and the precious dolphins coexist in close harmony.
On the Kona coast, manta rays agglomerate, attracted by the nutrients present in its waters.
Those who visit these beautiful places will forever keep the most precious memories. Here are some places you can visit and many other activities you can not miss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KyW77M842o
burning shores
It is a spectacle that fascinates many of the visitors. Observe how the lava from the Kilauea volcano gently travels long distances. Until diving into the cold waters of the sea and forming large columns of white smoke.
Haleakala
To reach the summit, they will have to travel a path that is approximately 3000 meters high. Where you will find a huge caldera, accompanied by a large number of volcanic cones.
According to Hawaiian legend, at the top of the volcano was the home of Maui's grandmother. With her help, Maui was able to catch the Sun, with the help of elaborate braids made from her hair.
Once he had caught him, he wrestled with him until he convinced him to make his journey in the sky, slower. From then on, the Sun returned to illuminate the island, in equal parts each day.
Black sand beaches
Beaches around the world have various shades of colors. There are for all tastes and their shades are due to the remains of bivalve shells, crustaceans and minerals that for different reasons accumulated over the years.
Coasts whose color is intensely dark is probably due to the presence of traces of sedimentary material with large amounts of impurities. Once the lava cools it takes on that dark hue and Hawaii is the perfect place to observe this phenomenon.
The best dark-hued sand in all of Hawaii is found on the southern part of the island. Nestled in a rural area, thanks to the development of the tourism industry, large hotel chains were established for the enjoyment of tourists.
Honaunau National Historical Park
This park is located on the western coastal area of the Big Island. It was the hiding place for those Hawaiian villagers who committed crimes and were punished with death, according to Kapu law.
As of 1819, it ceased to be considered a place of isolation, once the kapu system and its death penalty were abolished.
The park is divided into two zones, one is the Pu'uhona, a place where criminals took refuge, and the other includes all the royal land. Which in turn, are separated by a wall that is more than 4 centuries old.
The length of the wall is approximately 1000 meters, it has a height of more than 3 meters and a thickness of 6 meters. For the construction of this structure, remains of volcanic stones were used.
rainbow waterfall
This majestic waterfall is located in the town of Hilo and is born from the Wailuku River. The height of this waterfall is more than 20 meters and it is ideal to visit it in the morning, when you can see the rainbow that forms.
Legend has it that the cave formed by lava and below the waterfall is the resting place of Hina, who is the goddess of the Moon.
On one occasion, while Hina was sleeping, the reptilian Mo'o Kuna tried to kill her by blocking the entrance with rocks. Due to the effect of a great storm, the water level inside the cave rose.
The goddess Hina in her desperation asked her son Maui for help. He came to her aid and with the help of her oar, she was able to split the stone in two, removing the obstruction from the entrance.
Hawaii Natural Resources
Despite the constant and heavy rainfall that falls in the archipelago, much of the water is lost between the pores of the lava and the soil. Because rainwater cannot flow through channels, the formation of Rivers and gaps is very small.
The prevailing climate in Hawaii is tropical and its temperatures average around 24 °C, with no great difference between summer and winter.
It has a fairly rich ecosystem, where you can find about 3000 native plant species and species that were introduced with the arrival of people from other latitudes. The island's own animals are: the seal, white bat and the Polynesian rat.
The food plant species that best grow on the island are:
- Pineapple.
- Café.
- Papaya
- Sugar cane.
- Different horticultural items.
Hawaiian wildlife species
Because there are no natural predators, Hawaii's wildlife is quite rich. There are a good number of aquatic species and more than 60 species of native birds throughout the territory.
Due to the large number of native species, Hawaiian animals are of great importance to the authorities. That is why they are quite severe, in relation to the animals that can be imported.
Programs are also carried out to eradicate species that are harmful to the rest of the fauna. Such is the case of some species of snake, which disrupted the order of the food chain and many species were decimated.
Hawaii and the mammals
Inside the archipelago, many mammals live. For example, there is a considerable number of wild boar species, you can also find goats and sheep and horses that were brought by the first settlers.
Its beautiful coasts are plagued by monk seals, which at a certain moment in history were on the verge of extinction. For the commercialization of their skins and the fat of their bodies.
You can also see humpback whales that dazzle locals and visitors alike, with their enormous size and their mating rituals.
Hawaiian birds
According to the researchers, there are currently more than 70 native species in Hawaii. In order to preserve this bird reservoir, different protection days are held. Since, there are very clear indications that the Hawaiian crow is in danger of extinction.
The largest reservoir of birds in the archipelago is concentrated on the Island of Kauai. Hundreds of observers come to the site to appreciate the beauty of the exotic birds found in the place.
The Hawaiian Stilt
The Stilt is a bird native to Hawaii and is characterized by its long legs. It can reach 40 centimeters in height, the color that identifies it is black and white, with light pink touches.
They can be found in the protection zones of Kanah, located on the Island of Maui.
hawaiian duck
The Hawaiian Duck is chubby, with webbed feet and waterproof feathers. Its habitat is located in the wetland areas of the Island of Kauai.
The male specimens, reach about 50 cm, are generally larger than the females. The feathers are of a color between blue and green, with white edges at both ends and its tail is dark in color.
The colors of its legs and legs are orange and the beak of the males is olive green, in contrast to that of the females, which is pale orange with small dark markings.
baby goose
Most likely, the community of Nene geese that currently lives on the Island are the product of a mishap in the migration of other species. In order to adjust to the new features of the relief, they underwent modifications in their legs and thus have the ease of climbing the great cliffs.
Both males and females have very similar external taxonomic characteristics. Once the Nene geese reach reproductive age, they establish a pair bond that only dissolves with the death of one of its members.
The diet of these animals is based on the intake of fruits and leaves of some shrub species, which are found in the niches they inhabit. In order to keep their plumage healthy, they must consume considerable amounts of water.
The population of Nene geese was reduced with the introduction of other antagonistic species, which entered the virgin ecosystem of the archipelago.
Reptile population in Hawaii
The reptiles in the archipelago are very few that exist. Only very small reptiles called geckos can be found.
The main characteristics of geckos is that they have large eyes and legs. Its body is covered with small scales and its head lacks ridges and spines.
The colors of these animals adapt easily to the environment where they are. They are usually very opaque shades.
Hawaiian Turtles
Specimens of green turtles, leatherback hawksbills and olive ridleys can be found in the Hawaiian archipelago.
In order to lay their eggs, sea turtles must come to dry land. But the greatest time of their lives, they remain in the waters of the seas. At the time of nesting, these animals can lay a maximum of 200 eggs in the sand.
These eggs remain in the nests made in the sand of the Hawaiian coasts, up to 120 days depending on weather conditions.
The differences between the different species of turtles lies in the shape of their snouts, the color of their shells, the size and weight of each of them.
Sea mammals
Enjoying the most spectacular appearances of the whales, the race for the survival of the seals and the most graceful dances of the dolphins, has no comparison.
That is why the species of marine mammals that inhabit the Hawaiian Islands are mentioned below.
Humpback Whale
It is undoubtedly the largest animal that inhabits the world's oceans. They can be seen in Hawaii, between the months of November and April.
Humpback whales are a spectacle that cannot be missed. They usually make large movements and somersaults in the air as they come to the surface for air.
Tiger shark
Thanks to the transverse stripe on its back and sides, this animal owes its particular name. It has solitary, nocturnal hunting habits and its diet is very varied. It can eat seals, turtles, crustaceans, dolphins and other smaller shark species.
Economic activities and population
Among the economic activities of the island, there is artisanal fishing and tuna fishing. The development of food processing industries, including sugar refining and packaging of marine species.
The textile industry, the printing industry and the flagship activity of the island, such as tourism, have also been strengthened.
The census carried out in 2007, showed that the population of Hawaii was a little more than 1.200.000 inhabitants. Including the inhabitants of the ethnic groups and others from different regions of the planet.
