Lava from Kilauea volcano destroys USGS camera

Photo: depositphotos

A camera inside the crater of Kilauea volcano captured its demise a few days ago as lava flows reached up to 1,000 feet (300 meters) high. The camera was installed by volcanologists to live-stream the frequent eruptions.

The U.S. Geological Survey installed a remote-controlled camera in a closed area of ​​Halema'uma'u Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. The current eruption began Saturday morning and also showed a rare triple fountain from vents on the volcano's north and south cones.

The massive eruption of the world's most active volcano lasted more than twelve hours and sent lava 330 meters high. In some past eruptions, lava fountains have reached a height of 454 meters.

Saturday's eruption also included hazards in the form of high levels of volcanic gas and a plume of volcanic glass produced by the lava fountain. Volcanologists also warned of tephra, or hot glassy volcanic debris. Other hazards include pumice, slag and ruticulite, which can fall up to five kilometers from the volcanic vents.

During Saturday's eruption, various volcanic debris was already falling onto Highway 11 west of Kauai Volcano National Park. There are also ground cracks and rock slides near the caldera, which is why the area has been closed since 2007.

On Monday, Kilauea was placed on a code orange alert, meaning an eruption is likely or ongoing but without ash. The USGS believes another eruption is expected within two to three weeks.

Source: abcnews, Editorial Weathersunshine.com