Recent activity from Hawaii's Kīlauea Volcano has captured attention, as fresh lava fountains have erupted nearly a year after it commenced its current eruptive phase. This volcano is renowned as one of the most active in the world.
Kīlauea is a shield-type volcano located in the southeastern region of the Island of Hawaii, known as the largest and southernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago. The island's formation is attributed to the highly active Hawaiian hot spot.
The summit of Kīlauea, standing at 1,250 meters, has collapsed to create a caldera—a broad, shallow depression measuring nearly 5 kilometers in length and 3.2 kilometers in width, covering an area exceeding 10 square kilometers. Within this summit caldera lies a lava lake named Halema`uma`u, which is believed to be the dwelling of the Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele.
Kīlauea's slopes seamlessly blend with the nearby Mauna Loa volcano to the west and north, underscoring the interconnectedness of these geological formations.
Since 1983, Kīlauea has been in a state of continuous eruption. The eruptions are predominantly non-explosive and are typically confined within Halema`uma`u. Occasionally, the lava rises and overflows across the caldera floor and its slopes.
The continuous eruptions of Kīlauea serve not only as a natural spectacle but also contribute to our understanding of volcanic processes. The recent lava fountains are a reminder of the dynamic nature of this region.
Q1. What is Kīlauea Volcano known for?
Answer: Kīlauea Volcano is known for being one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with continuous eruptions since 1983, primarily characterized by non-explosive lava flows.
Q2. What is Halema`uma`u?
Answer: Halema`uma`u is a lava lake located within the summit caldera of Kīlauea Volcano, considered the home of the Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele.
Q3. How tall is Kīlauea?
Answer: Kīlauea has a summit elevation of 1,250 meters, which has collapsed to form a caldera spanning over 10 square kilometers.
Q4. What type of volcano is Kīlauea?
Answer: Kīlauea is categorized as a shield volcano, characterized by broad, gentle slopes formed by the accumulation of low-viscosity lava.
Q5. Where is Kīlauea located?
Answer: Kīlauea is situated in the southeastern part of the Island of Hawaii, which is part of the Hawaiian archipelago in the United States.
Question 1: What type of volcano is Kīlauea?
A) Stratovolcano
B) Shield volcano
C) Composite volcano
D) Cinder cone
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is Halema`uma`u known for?
A) Being a summit peak
B) A freshwater lake
C) A lava lake
D) A mountain range
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Since when has Kīlauea been continuously erupting?
A) 1975
B) 1983
C) 1990
D) 2000
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which goddess is associated with Kīlauea?
A) Athena
B) Pele
C) Kali
D) Durga
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the elevation of Kīlauea's summit?
A) 1,000 meters
B) 1,250 meters
C) 1,500 meters
D) 1,800 meters
Correct Answer: B
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