Tuesday, December 06, 2022

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Aerial images used to map lava from Mauna Loa eruption in Hawaii

Aerial footage of lava flowing from Mauna Loa volcano

VIDEO
abc.net.au/news/aerial-images-map-lava-mauna-loa-eruption-hawaii/101742310COPY LINKSHARE


Scientists are using satellites and helicopters to map lava flows from the Mauna Loa volcano, and say they're seeing the lava continue its slow progress across the Big Island.

The Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaii, which is the world's largest active volcano, has erupted for the first time in 38 years.
Aerial image of fissure 3 erupting on the north-east rift zone of Mauna Loa(Supplied: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)

Officials were initially concerned that lava flowing down the side of the volcano would head toward the South Kona district.

Scientists later assured the public that the eruption migrated to a rift zone on Mauna Loa's north-east flank and was not threatening any communities.
Lava fountains measured by field crews reached heights of 40 metres, with bursts of 100 metres.(Supplied: L. Gallant/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)

As the eruption reaches its second week, the lava flow marches slowly north toward the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, which remains open to traffic in both directions.
Image taken during a helicopter overflight and shows a lava flow branching after it cuts across the Mauna Loa Access Road.(Supplied: L. Gallant/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)

"There's no signs of the flow stopping at any immediate term because activity up at that event on the north-east drift zone continues steadily," US Geological Survey Geologist Mike Zoeller said.

"We still see high rates of lava fusion into the upper lava channels in that region."
Aerial view of the fissure 3 lava channel, measured to be moving at 8.2-11 metres per second.(Supplied: L. Gallant/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory)

In some places the lava has been advancing at about 20 meters per hour. In channels closer to the vent it advances at 8.2-11 metres per second.

Mauna Loa, rising 4,169 metres above sea level, is the much larger neighbour to Kilauea volcano, which erupted in a residential neighbourhood and destroyed 700 homes in 2018.

Mauna Loa volcano erupts in Hawaii

Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno has reminded visitors to stay safe and maintain the respect and be aware of the local surroundings to the community.

AP/ABC

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