Kilauea Volcanic Eruption on Hawaii’s Big Island
- Adeel Arman
- December 24, 2024
- 10:01 am
- 47
- Trending
Monday, December 23rd 2024 at about 2:30AM, the Kilauea Volcanic Eruption on Hawaii’s Big Island, adding to its long history of reshaping the island. Scientists and locals worked together to study the eruption and its causes. Kilauea’s fiery display highlights its power and importance in understanding the Earth.
Kilauea’s Geological Legacy
Kilauea is a shield volcano with a broad, sloping shape. Its lava flows gently and spreads over large areas. Unlike explosive volcanoes, Kilauea volcanic eruption tend to be less violent. Located on the southeastern part of the Big Island, it plays a key role in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kilauea has added land to the Big Island for thousands of years through frequent eruptions. Its summit crater, Halema‘uma‘u, has been the center of much of its activity. The 2024 eruption started here, sending glowing rivers of lava down the slopes and changing the landscape once more.
Why Kilauea Erupts in 2024?
The 2024 eruption happened because of Hawaii’s unique geology. Hawaii sits on a volcanic hotspot, where molten rock rises deep within the Earth. As the Pacific Plate moves over this hotspot, magma pushes through cracks in the crust. This creates volcanic eruptions.
Scientists noticed signs of an eruption weeks before December. They detected more earthquakes and saw the ground swelling near the summit. These changes showed that magma was moving beneath the surface. Eventually, it broke through, releasing lava and volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide.
A History of Change and Power
Kilauea has been erupting for hundreds of thousands of years. From 1983 to 2018, a record-breaking 35-year eruption added over 875 acres of new land and changed many communities on the island.
In 2018, Kilauea erupted again, destroying over 700 homes and displacing thousands of people. The summit caldera collapsed, leaving a massive crater behind. After being quiet for a short time, Kilauea began erupting again in 2020. The 2024 event is its most potent activity since then.
Cultural Importance and Renewal
To Native Hawaiians, Kilauea is more than a volcano. It is the home of Pele, the goddess of fire, volcanoes, and creation. Pele’s eruptions symbolize destruction and renewal, reflecting the cycles of life. People often leave offerings near the volcano to honor Pele and ask for her blessings.
Kilauea’s eruptions destroy and create. While they can damage homes and land, they also build new land and enrich the soil. Over time, this new land supports plants, animals, and people.
Why Studying Kilauea Matters
The 2024 eruption reminds us how important it is to monitor volcanoes. Scientists use tools to watch magma movement and predict eruptions. This helps keep people safe and reduces the risks of living near a volcano. Studying Kilauea also helps scientists understand other volcanoes around the world.
Kilauea’s December 2024 eruption shows the power and beauty of nature. As lava reshapes the Big Island again, we are reminded of its role in Earth’s processes. By learning about Kilauea’s history and activity, we can appreciate its ability to create and destroy. For Hawaii, Kilauea is a symbol of resilience and renewal.
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