Royal Gardens Lava Flow June 15, 2009

The large lava flow which broke out of the tube system in early June continuous its journey to the sea. It has crossed Plumeria Street and is heading towards the eastern part of Paradise Street along an a'a flow which had covered King Street in the eartly 1980's. This footage was recorded at about the 800 foot elevation. It had just reached the top of the remaining part of King Street and was burning its way through a forest kipuka.

Recorded June 15, 2009

More photos and videos:
http://volcanochaser.smugmug.com/

Eruption Update Info:
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Royal Gardens
• Kilauea
• lava
• eruption
• volcano

[alitamunich]

Again, this is amazing! Thanks a lot for uploading. May I ask something?

Are those flames zoomed in around 2:00 the famous methane explosions caused by the burning of green plants?

Thanks in advance and take care! (^o^)/

[volcanochaser]

The methane explosions which are warned about generally happen in the area ahead or to the side of lava flows where people might be standing. Methane is released from organic matter in the soil or roots as a result of the intense heat from the lava overhead. It can then seep and collect in large cracks in the old lava and mix with the oxygen already there.

[volcanochaser]

As the mixture of gasses makes its way to the surface, it is ignited by the lava or burning vegetation and the underground accumulation explodes. If the explosion is big enough, it can send boulders flying into the air.

[volcanochaser]

In my experience, one can feel the muffled explosions underfoot in forested areas with deep soil. Other areas with more recent flows and a thin layer of vegetation have more underground cracks where methane can accumulate and explode more violently. You can see the aftereffects of a big explosion on photo 63, dated July 9, 2003 in the smugmug link.

[lalabunney]

wow how old are you . thats amazing

[volcanochaser]

I'm so old that I can't remember simple things like how old I am. I have T shirts that are older than you.

[alveensLV]

awful... ;(

[donnyisthebestman]

lol awesome.... at 2:43 it looks like a cave entrance with red glowing walls

[Vanessavanni23]

Wow! that is really amazing!

[KdEtna]

GRAT VIDEO! Y LOVE HAWAII!