Extra in regards to the Mauna Loa eruption

Mauna Loa eruption fissure producing fountains of lava on November 28, 2022. USGS photograph by Ok. Lynn.

As we shared yesterday, Mauna Loa erupted for the primary time since 1984. At this time, we needed to share among the photographs and useful info from the primary day.

100 to 200-ft Lava Fountains!

Previously 24 hours, the lava exercise has migrated from the summit caldera at Moku’aweoweo to 3 fissures close to just under the summit on the Northeast Rift Zone. At the latest verify on the morning of November 29th, solely one of many three fissure remains to be lively. From our remark, fissures are typically brief lived.

The fissures from this eruption have produced lava fountains. The estimates for the tallest lava fountain heights are between 100 and 200 toes or 30 to 60 meters. Wow!

Lava flow on Mauna Loa — Mauna Loa fissure producing lava streams on November 28, 2022. USGS photograph by Ok. Lynn.

Present eruption is posing no threats to native communities

As Hawaii County Mayor Roth acknowledged, “We’ve been instructed that the lava is heading in the absolute best path, which is away from our communities.” Lava is flowing downslope in a northeasterly path. The next map supplied by the USGS reveals the lava location and path. The world is uninhabited and roughly 10 miles away from the primary highways.

Brilliant glows seen from miles away

The sight of lava flowing is really superior! Residents and guests have been capable of observe a brilliant reddish, orangeish glow from Mauna Loa summit from miles away. The eruption has been seen from each the Kona and Hilo sides of Hawaii (Huge) Island.

Right here’s an excerpt from this report from West Hawaii Today,

Resident Sean Sommers was one in every of many residents who ventured out within the wee hours to see the eruption that lit up the evening sky. Whereas pulled off Outdated Saddle Street round 5 a.m., he stated Monday’s eruption was the second time he’s witnessed Mauna Loa ship lava down its flanks. He added that his mother-in-law, who lives in Kawaihae, stated she had by no means seen such a brilliant glow from the mountain in her lifetime.

“This can be a lot greater than 1984,” the long-time resident stated whereas snapping images of the orange glow together with his cellphone within the cool evening air.

Over the subsequent half-hour, the glow from the summit crater appeared to develop brighter. Round 5:30 a.m., images taken by a West Hawaii At this time editor posted on the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Space confirmed channels or “fingers” of lava forming on Mauna Loa’s northeastern flank. By 5:45 a.m., the channels of lava flowing downslope have been clearly seen because the sky started to lighten within the morning hours.