The gigantic active volcano, Kilauea, located on the big island of Hawaii, began another titanic eruption o Tuesday that is sending lava down the mountain side toward the Pacific Ocean. The molten lava, which is around 2,000 degrees in temperature, is likely to add some land to the big island.
The active volcano has been in continuous eruption for over thirty years and the latest lava flow is like a waterfall as it cascaded toward the Pacific Ocean. It is such a stirring site that tours of the volcano are being offered to tourists who want to see the gigantic lava river head for the ocean.
When the lava hits the cold Pacific Ocean water, it begins to harden and turn into volcanic rock. The extreme temperature of the lava causes huge clouds of steam when it enters the water. The last time an eruption of this magnitude occurred was back in 2013.
While the boat cruises are packed, authorities are warning sight seers not to venture too close to where the lava meets the mighty Pacific. When the lava hit the ocean, it also causes small explosions that tosses flying hardened volcanic rock into the air. The United States Geological Survey also warns that the lava flow is also spewing out and traveling toward roadways. One road, in fact, has been covered with lava.
The eruption happened back in May and the slow moving river of lava has finally reached the Pacific Ocean. In 2014, a lava flow was carved through by highway workers to actually make a connecting road between two places that were not connected prior to that particular eruption.
There is also a tropical storm headed for the islands and authorities are unsure as th what affect it will have on the lava flow over the next several days.
PHOTO CREDITS: US Geological Survey / Lava Tours