Kilauea

Definition

Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a shield volcano primarily composed of fluid lava flows that create broad, gently sloping landforms. Kilauea's frequent eruptions have significantly shaped the surrounding landscape and provide valuable insights into volcanic processes and landforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kilauea has been erupting almost continuously since 1983, making it one of the most studied volcanoes in the world.
2. The volcano's eruptions primarily produce basaltic lava, which is low in viscosity and allows for extensive lava flows.
3. Kilauea is considered a sacred site in Hawaiian culture and is home to the goddess Pele, who is believed to control the volcano.
4. In 2018, Kilauea experienced a significant eruption that led to the destruction of hundreds of homes and created new land as lava poured into the ocean.
5. The Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, located within Kilauea, is known for its volcanic gas emissions and active lava lake, offering unique opportunities for scientific research.

Review Questions

• How do the characteristics of Kilauea as a shield volcano influence the types of eruptions it experiences?
  • As a shield volcano, Kilauea has gentle slopes and is primarily built from fluid basaltic lava. This low-viscosity lava allows for effusive eruptions, where lava flows rather than explodes violently. The shape and composition of Kilauea enable it to produce extensive lava flows that reshape the landscape gradually over time, contrasting with more explosive volcanic systems.
• Discuss the significance of Kilauea's eruptions on both geological research and local communities in Hawaii.
  • Kilauea's ongoing eruptions provide critical data for geological research, helping scientists understand volcanic behavior and hazards. For local communities, these eruptions can have both positive and negative impacts; while they create new land and attract tourism, they also pose risks such as property damage and air quality issues from volcanic gases. The balance between harnessing volcanic activity for economic benefit and ensuring community safety is a key concern.
• Evaluate the implications of Kilauea's eruptions on our understanding of volcanic processes and their effects on landforms.
  • Kilauea's activity allows researchers to observe real-time volcanic processes such as lava flow dynamics, gas emissions, and interactions with the environment. By studying these phenomena, scientists gain insights into how shield volcanoes behave during eruptions and how they contribute to landform development. This understanding is crucial for assessing potential hazards associated with similar volcanic systems worldwide, influencing both safety measures and land management practices in volcanically active regions.

Related terms

Shield Volcano: A type of volcano characterized by its broad, dome-like shape and gentle slopes formed by the eruption of low-viscosity lava.

Lava Flow: The movement of molten rock (lava) from a volcanic eruption, which can create new landforms as it cools and solidifies.

Pahoehoe: A type of lava flow that has a smooth, ropy surface, typically associated with basaltic lava that flows easily and spreads out over large areas.