The recent swell and earthquake occurrence at the southern part of Kilauea’s volcano crater in Hawaii has reignited interest in the plate topped with a hole phenomenon. A volcano does not only pave the way for warmer material to be released from its interior, but it can also reshape landforms and influence climatic conditions.
Spotlight On Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea, fondly referred to as Mount Kilauea meaning ‘Much Spreading’ in Hawaiian, is tucked away in the southeastern region of the island of Hawaii, within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The slopes of this volcano can be traced merging with those of its neighboring volcano, Mauna Loa, towards the west and north directions.
Build Structure Of Kilauea
Mount Kilauea is an elongated dome, erected by various lava eruptions pouring out from a central crater, stretching along the east and southwest rifts, also known as fissures. At its summit, standing 4,090 feet tall, Kilauea displays a caldera. This caldera, or depression, is the result of the volcano partially collapsing after violently dispersing the majority of its magma chamber during an explosive eruption.
Record Of Kilauea Eruptions
Kilauea has a rich history of volcanic activity. Its caldera saw nearly continuous action throughout the 19th century and early parts of the 20th century. Ranking among the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea has witnessed 34 eruptions since 1952. An almost continuous eruption span was recorded from 1983 to 2018. The latest eruption took place in December 2020, when it spewed lava enough to fill ten Hoover dams, forming a lake in the crater. However, this eruption ended in May 2021.
Recent Volcanic Activities Across The Globe
Eruptions have been a global phenomenon recently. Among the volcanoes that have recorded activities include Sangay Volcano located in Ecuador, Taal Volcano found in the Philippines, and Indonesia’s Mt. Sinabung, Merapi volcano, and Semeru volcano.
Volcanoes In India
India is not exempt from having these landforms. The Barren Island in Andaman Islands hosts India’s only active volcano. Other Indian volcano sites include Narcondam located in Andaman Islands, Baratang also in Andaman Islands, Deccan Traps in Maharashtra, Dhinodhar Hills in Gujarat, and Dhosi Hill in Haryana.
