Hawaiian Eruption

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Hawaiian eruptions are relatively gentle, low level volcanic eruptions, named for the volcanoes of Hawaii. Typically they are effusive eruptions, with basaltic magmas of low viscosity, low content of gases, and high temperature at the vent. Very little amount of ash is produced.

The lava can sometimes shoot up into considerable altitudes, Few tens of meters are common, altitudes over 300 meters are rare. The lava cools and forms a cinder or spatter volcanic cone. During its 1959 eruption, the Kilauea volcano created a lava fountain 1,900 feet (580 meters) high and formed a 125-foot cone named Puu Puai.

Hawaiian eruptions usually start by formation of a crack in the ground from which a curtain of incandescent magma or several closely spaced magma fountains appear. The lava can overflow the fissure and form aa or pahoehoe style of flows. Eruptions from a central cone can form small lightly sloped shield volcanoes, for example the Mauna Ulu.

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