Volcanic Kipuka
Volcano Terms and Definition

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This kipuka formed during the Pu`u `O`o-Kupaianaha eruption on the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii.
Kipuka

Hawaiian term for an "island" of land completely surrounded by one or more younger lava flowsA. A kipuka forms when lava encircles a hill or a slight rise in the ground as it moves downslope or across relatively flat ground. Because they are surrounded by more recent flows, kipukas are often covered with mature vegetation.



Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Aerial view of a kipuka surrounded by a 1955 lava flow on the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano. The whitish color of the 1955 flows is due to lichen growing on them.


 

Volcano Glossary





Source:
U.S. Department of the Interior