According to Phoenix, some volcanic eruptions can go on for over a year. The last time the Big Island volcano erupted was in 1984, and lava flows reached within four miles of Hilo’s city limits, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Mauna Loa is the largest of the five major volcanoes found on the Big Island, and it has erupted 33 times since modern records began in 1843. Its name means “long mountain,” which is fitting because it stretches about 10.5 miles from base to summit. It covers half of the surface area of Hawaii’s Big Island, according to the USGS.
Signs of a potential eruption were noticed by the agency in mid-September after the number of earthquakes below the Mauna Loa summit increased. The U.S. Geological Survey is tracking where the lava flows are going and how fast they are moving. This eruption has seen lava spew 200 to 500 feet in the air, the U.S. Geological Survey tweeted.
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Tower of Molten Earth
Tower of Molten Earth
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Spewing Lava
Spewing Lava
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Lava Stream
Lava Stream
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Red Skies
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Illuminating the Darkness
Illuminating the Darkness
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Extreme Selfie
Extreme Selfie
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Multiple Lava Flows
Multiple Lava Flows
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Molten Rock River
Molten Rock River
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Volcanic Views
Volcanic Views
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Night Watch
Night Watch
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