Kilauea

Definition

Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is part of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain and has been erupting continuously since 1983, significantly shaping the landscape and ecology of the surrounding area. Its eruptions provide valuable insight into volcanic processes and contribute to the formation of new land as lava flows into the ocean.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kilauea is classified as a shield volcano and is known for its relatively gentle eruptions, primarily producing basalt lava.
2. The Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kilauea's summit contains a lava lake that has been a focal point for eruptions and scientific research.
3. Kilauea's continuous eruptions have created new land as lava flows into the ocean, contributing to the growth of Hawaii's coastline.
4. The eruptions at Kilauea have significant cultural importance, influencing local beliefs and traditions centered around Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.
5. Monitoring of Kilauea by scientists helps predict volcanic activity and assess hazards for nearby communities, making it a critical site for volcanology research.

Review Questions

• How do the characteristics of Kilauea as a shield volcano influence its eruption patterns compared to other types of volcanoes?
  • Kilauea's classification as a shield volcano means it has broad, gentle slopes formed from low-viscosity basalt lava that can flow easily across large distances. This results in more effusive eruptions that create large volumes of lava without explosive events typical of stratovolcanoes. The continuous activity since 1983 demonstrates how these characteristics allow Kilauea to maintain an ongoing eruption style that builds up its landscape gradually rather than through violent explosions.
• Discuss the cultural significance of Kilauea in Hawaiian mythology and how it shapes local identity and practices.
  • Kilauea holds deep cultural significance in Hawaiian mythology, particularly through its association with Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The reverence for Pele is reflected in local traditions, stories, and rituals that celebrate volcanic activity as both a powerful force and a source of creation. This connection to Kilauea strengthens local identity, fostering a sense of stewardship over the land and its natural phenomena while also influencing how communities respond to volcanic hazards.
• Evaluate the role of scientific monitoring at Kilauea in understanding volcanic activity and its implications for hazard assessment in Hawaii.
  • Scientific monitoring at Kilauea plays a crucial role in understanding volcanic activity through data collection on seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation. This ongoing research allows scientists to develop predictive models for future eruptions and assess potential hazards for surrounding communities. As Kilauea continues to be one of the most studied volcanoes globally, its findings contribute not only to local safety measures but also enhance our overall understanding of volcanic processes, informing emergency preparedness strategies for similar geological settings worldwide.

Related terms

Shield Volcano: A type of volcano characterized by broad, gently sloping sides formed by the eruption of low-viscosity basalt lava that can flow over great distances.

Pele: The Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, revered in Hawaiian culture, often associated with the Kilauea volcano and its eruptions.

Lava Tube: A natural conduit through which lava travels beneath the surface of a lava flow, often forming a hollow tunnel once the lava has drained away.