Here's how Kilauea's lava is shaping Hawaii's Big Island

Lacey Young
St. Paul
Lava from Mount Kilauea reaches the ocean at Kapoho Bay.
Lava from Mount Kilauea reaches the ocean at Kapoho Bay on the southestern coast of Hawaii's Big Island. NASA's Landsat 8 satellite captured the first image on May 14, 2018, and the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellite captured the second natural-color image on June 7, 2018.
Before: NASA, After: ESA

Share

The Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island has spewed nearly 4 billion cubic feet of lava the past five weeks, creating dramatic changes in topography that scientists are now studying using some precise and stunning satellite imagery.

Scientists with the United States Geological Survey estimate that as of June 9, the flow from one fissure had already created a 200-acre lava delta, effectively filling Kapoho Bay and the surrounding eastern coastline.

The island remains in a code red warning, meaning an "eruption is underway or suspected with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere," according to the USGS.

Authorities estimate more than 600 homes have been destroyed, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.

ESA's Sentinel-2 satellite captured this image of lava from Mount Kilauea.
The Multi-Spectral Instrument on the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 satellite captured this natural-color image of lava from the Kilauea volcano reaching the ocean at Kapoho Bay on Hawaii's southeast coast on June 7, 2018.
ESA

 

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Providing Support for MPR.
Learn More
Program ScheduleStation Directory