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!
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!
Approaching the Kamokuna Ocean entry. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(262 Hits)
(262 Hits)
The cliff around the sea entry was formed on 31 Dec 2016 when most off the previous lava bench as we... [info]
(241 Hits)
(241 Hits)
Another sightseeing boat is already on the scene. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(233 Hits)
(233 Hits)
Most of the time, the lava hose is hidden in thick steam, but occasionally, it comes into sight. (Ph... [info]
(587 Hits)
(587 Hits)
From the exposed lava tube, a so-called "fire hose" - a jet of lava - shoots out and pours into the ... [info]
(249 Hits)
(249 Hits)
Zoom onto the mouth of the lava tube where the fire hose exits; today, it is not particularly strong... [info]
(287 Hits)
(287 Hits)
The largest part of the fire hose. While in shade, the lava appears orange, when in sunlight, the co... [info]
(302 Hits)
(302 Hits)
Where the lava hose plunges into the sea, it triggers near-constant (so-called "littoral") explosion... [info]
(420 Hits)
(420 Hits)
The intensity of the explosive interaction at the contact varies a lot. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(256 Hits)
(256 Hits)
Rarely, the jet of lava enters the ocean without noticeable explosions. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(255 Hits)
(255 Hits)
Such calm moments are brief and soon followed by an explosion. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(231 Hits)
(231 Hits)
Zoom onto the lower part of the fire hose reacting with the water. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(231 Hits)
(231 Hits)
The height of the lava hose is approx. 15 meters. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(224 Hits)
(224 Hits)
A short-lived "window" in the steam clouds lets the lava tube's mouth to be seen briefly. (Photo: To... [info]
(211 Hits)
(211 Hits)
Liquid lava strands detach from the hose as it is falling and are twisted and torn into Pele's hair ... [info]
(334 Hits)
(334 Hits)
View of the lava hose during a clear moment. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(227 Hits)
(227 Hits)
The actual entry in the water is never seen directly. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(199 Hits)
(199 Hits)
A moderately strong explosion occupies the full height of the cliff. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(195 Hits)
(195 Hits)
Jets of water, steam and lava fragments rise from the contact of the fire hose with the water. (Phot... [info]
(192 Hits)
(192 Hits)
The shape and direction of the explosions constantly change with the chaotic interaction of the wave... [info]
(185 Hits)
(185 Hits)
Steam parts to give view to the lava hose with a small explosion. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(184 Hits)
(184 Hits)
A good part of the lava is fragmented into smaller and larger particles of all shapes. New black san... [info]
(166 Hits)
(166 Hits)
The same explosion seen a split second later. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(155 Hits)
(155 Hits)
Trails of steam left behind the larger hot lava projectiles. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(268 Hits)
(268 Hits)
Fire hose and explosion (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(349 Hits)
(349 Hits)
Count the fragments...! (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(133 Hits)
(133 Hits)
Cock-tail jets of steam in wet fireworks. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(141 Hits)
(141 Hits)
Parabolic trajectories are seen by the steam trails. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(134 Hits)
(134 Hits)
A larger explosion throws fragments well above the sea cliff. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(133 Hits)
(133 Hits)
Last view onto the fire hose this morning. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(317 Hits)
(317 Hits)
The surface water around the entry area is near-boiling point and steam rises everywhere. (Photo: To... [info]
(136 Hits)
(136 Hits)
View back to an exciting morning excursion on another sunny day on Hawai'i. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(127 Hits)
(127 Hits)
