National Geographic - Volcano
The most dazzling but destructive natural force on earth. Massive volcanic eruption can turn day into night, releasing the power of an atomic blast, spewing toxic avalanches of lava, gas, and ash.
 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. |
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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. |
Super volcano - It's Under Yellowstone. And It's Overdue
A subterranean sea of molten lava that scientists are sure will burst through the Earth's crust it's just a question of when.
