Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii): Lava Ocean Entry March 2017

Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava ocean entry 13 March 2017

Impressions from a morning boat tour to the Kamokuna ocean entry on 13 March 2017 during our latest Kilauea Volcano Special tour. We were lucky enough to be there during the last week when the spectacular fire hose was still active.

A special thanks goes to the competent and friendly crew from Kalapana Cultural Tours, in particular to captains Ikaika and Andrew, who we think provide the best service by far among the competition!

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Approaching the Kamokuna Ocean entry. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The cliff around the sea entry was formed on 31 Dec 2016 when most off the previous lava bench as well as parts of the old shoreline collapsed, exposing the lava tube. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The cliff around the sea entry was formed on 31 Dec 2016 when most off the previous lava bench as we... [info]
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Another sightseeing boat is already on the scene. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Most of the time, the lava hose is hidden in thick steam, but occasionally, it comes into sight. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Most of the time, the lava hose is hidden in thick steam, but occasionally, it comes into sight. (Ph... [info]
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From the exposed lava tube, a so-called "fire hose" - a jet of lava - shoots out and pours into the sea. This lasted for almost 3 months (!), before a new delta started to form in late March. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

From the exposed lava tube, a so-called "fire hose" - a jet of lava - shoots out and pours into the ... [info]
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Zoom onto the mouth of the lava tube where the fire hose exits; today, it is not particularly strong, but still impressive. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Zoom onto the mouth of the lava tube where the fire hose exits; today, it is not particularly strong... [info]
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The largest part of the fire hose. While in shade, the lava appears orange, when in sunlight, the color is more red. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The largest part of the fire hose. While in shade, the lava appears orange, when in sunlight, the co... [info]
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Where the lava hose plunges into the sea, it triggers near-constant (so-called "littoral") explosions, throwing dark masses of still-hot, steaming lava fragments and water into the air. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Where the lava hose plunges into the sea, it triggers near-constant (so-called "littoral") explosion... [info]
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The intensity of the explosive interaction at the contact varies a lot. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Rarely, the jet of lava enters the ocean without noticeable explosions. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Such calm moments are brief and soon followed by an explosion. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Zoom onto the lower part of the fire hose reacting with the water. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The height of the lava hose is approx. 15 meters. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A short-lived "window" in the steam clouds lets the lava tube's mouth to be seen briefly. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A short-lived "window" in the steam clouds lets the lava tube's mouth to be seen briefly. (Photo: To... [info]
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Liquid lava strands detach from the hose as it is falling and are twisted and torn into Pele's hair and curly shapes. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Liquid lava strands detach from the hose as it is falling and are twisted and torn into Pele's hair ... [info]
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View of the lava hose during a clear moment. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The actual entry in the water is never seen directly. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A moderately strong explosion occupies the full height of the cliff. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Jets of water, steam and lava fragments rise from the contact of the fire hose with the water. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Jets of water, steam and lava fragments rise from the contact of the fire hose with the water. (Phot... [info]
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The shape and direction of the explosions constantly change with the chaotic interaction of the waves with the lava jet. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The shape and direction of the explosions constantly change with the chaotic interaction of the wave... [info]
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Steam parts to give view to the lava hose with a small explosion. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A good part of the lava is fragmented into smaller and larger particles of all shapes. New black sand is being formed here. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

A good part of the lava is fragmented into smaller and larger particles of all shapes. New black san... [info]
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The same explosion seen a split second later. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Trails of steam left behind the larger hot lava projectiles. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Fire hose and explosion (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Count the fragments...! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Cock-tail jets of steam in wet fireworks. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Parabolic trajectories are seen by the steam trails. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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A larger explosion throws fragments well above the sea cliff. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Last view onto the fire hose this morning. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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The surface water around the entry area is near-boiling point and steam rises everywhere. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The surface water around the entry area is near-boiling point and steam rises everywhere. (Photo: To... [info]
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View back to an exciting morning excursion on another sunny day on Hawai'i. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
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Kilauea volcano (Hawaii): lava ocean entry 13 March 2017

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