Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TexasTowelie

(111,304 posts)
Fri Jan 1, 2021, 10:22 PM Jan 2021

How can an island be growing in lava lake atop Hawaii volcano? Scientists have ideas

One of the most intensely watched elements of the ongoing eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is an island that mysteriously formed early on in the crater’s fiery lava lake.

It’s about seven acres in size and drifting like a raft.

The U.S. Geological Survey has been monitoring this deadly oasis since the start of the eruption on Dec. 20, noting its growth and mystifying movements. On Thursday, the island measured 820 feet long and 440 feet wide and stood about 26 feet above the lava lake’s surface, officials wrote on Facebook.

This defies logic for most people, who understand molten lava to be something that melts, well, just about everything.

And that’s not wrong. The USGS says the magma still squirting from a fissure in Kilauea’s crater wall is somewhere between 1,830 and 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Read more and view video: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/nation-world/national/article248206265.html

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
How can an island be growing in lava lake atop Hawaii volcano? Scientists have ideas (Original Post) TexasTowelie Jan 2021 OP
Next time Kilauea blows, that island will be quite a projectile! SunSeeker Jan 2021 #1
Considering that Trump is upset with the renovations at Mar-a-Lago, TexasTowelie Jan 2021 #2
Yes he should! That is prime land for golf course development! SunSeeker Jan 2021 #3
The volcano was unavailable for comment... abqtommy Jan 2021 #4
My First Thought Was That "Someone" Needs to Plant a Flag on that Island! The Roux Comes First Jan 2021 #5
Make it Trump's Elba! dutch777 Jan 2021 #6

TexasTowelie

(111,304 posts)
2. Considering that Trump is upset with the renovations at Mar-a-Lago,
Fri Jan 1, 2021, 10:57 PM
Jan 2021

maybe he could make a visit to the island while he waits for the repairs to be completed.

The Roux Comes First

(1,278 posts)
5. My First Thought Was That "Someone" Needs to Plant a Flag on that Island!
Sat Jan 2, 2021, 12:00 AM
Jan 2021

Now admittedly, a good deal of asbestos or other heat-resistive material will be needed, not to mention evasion of park service security, but I imagine there are already late-teens and twenty-year-olds fantasizing about something like this.

I was part of a much less hazardous scheme back in the '70's, with a chum boarding an ice floe in our skivvies in an alpine lake and "surfing" a hundred yards or so. I'm guessing video of that may still exist.

dutch777

(2,871 posts)
6. Make it Trump's Elba!
Sat Jan 2, 2021, 12:13 AM
Jan 2021

NY AG can offer him that in exchange for dropping a charge or two. And that proximity to lava will enhance his tan significantly.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Hawaii»How can an island be grow...