Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Kilauea shows signs of possible upcoming eruption
Scientists say that a three-mile-wide bulge at the top of Kilauea could lead to an eruption from the volcano's summit. Jim Kauahikaua, the head of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, says the bulge is dramatic. He says he doesn't have enough information yet to determine what the bulge means, but it could eventually lead to a summit eruption.
While this bulge isn't cause for immediate concern, he says some bulges result in eruptions after several decades. The bulge has lifted the volcano four-point-three inches since earlier this year. The bulge is caused by magma swelling into a reservoir beneath the surface. As it builds up, the reservoir inflates, causing the ground around it to crack.
While this bulge isn't cause for immediate concern, he says some bulges result in eruptions after several decades. The bulge has lifted the volcano four-point-three inches since earlier this year. The bulge is caused by magma swelling into a reservoir beneath the surface. As it builds up, the reservoir inflates, causing the ground around it to crack.
# posted by kevin : 8:37 PM
