The Kilauea Volcano lava lake level dropped about 46 feet between Thursday and Friday.
The Kilauea Volcano lava lake level dropped about 46 feet between Thursday and Friday.
The lake, as of Friday morning, had dropped to 79 feet below the for of Halema‘uma‘u, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says.
Lava continues to enter the ocean, although lava flows do not pose a threat to nearby communities.
However, officials continue to offer a “strong caution” to those who venture out to view the evolving situation.
“Venturing too close to an ocean entry exposes you to flying debris created by the explosive interaction between lava and water,” the observatory note. New land created by the lava flow can become unstable and slide into the sea, along with previously existing sea cliff. And, a “acidic plume laden with fine volcanic particles” occurs. It can irritate the skin, eyes and lungs.
Steven Brantley, deputy scientist-in-charge at the observatory, said “there’s very complex things going on” at Kilauea. Although the lava lake has dropped, it’s very likely that pressure will again build in the days ahead, he said.
Where enough lava go to drop 46 feet from the lava-lake level?
“That’s a very-good question,” Brantley said, “we don’t know exactly.”