Moving at 5 to 10 yards per hour, with the advance rate varying because of changes in the slope of the land, the lava flow reached a fence line marking private property on Tuesday morning. As it moved through private land, the lava engulfed everything in its path, including a utility shed, trees in a small macadamia nut orchard and a pile of tires. The burning tires produced a thick plume of black smoke that was visible for miles, causing both interest and concern among Pahoa and nearby residents.
Over the subsequent days, the lava flow continued to advance through private property toward Pahoa Village Road, although the advance rate of the flow front slowed to only a few yards per hour, and eventually stalled Thursday. Such slowdowns are common in pahoehoe flows. Breakouts upslope of the flow front can divert supply away from the leading edge and flow inflation can cause the flow to thicken instead of pushing forward.
Nevertheless, it is important to remain vigilant. Inflated flows can suddenly burst forth, releasing streams of lava that can move rapidly over small distances — behavior that was common in the days prior to the slowdown on Thursday. In addition, we expect the flow to continue to widen as breakouts upslope fill in places that were initially bypassed by the leading edge. The process of inflating, surging and widening is the pattern by which pahoehoe lava flows grow.
Lots of heat not far below.
Dangerous...but very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've been keeping my eye on this. Brigid Jr. was adopted by a Native Hawaiian family (watching a 6 foot 1 redhead speaking fluent Native Hawaiian is always a hoot). She's living on the mainland now, but there's lots of family there and we're keeping them in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great experience for her! I bet she sounds great speaking that language.
DeleteSome of the worlds best buds are grown in this area
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