Our “growing” Earth (on Hawai`i Island)

Glowing and flowing lava are certainly spectacular but to me almost as equally spectacular is the other visible evidence of how our Earth is constantly growing. When visiting Hawai`i Island, I love to “watch out for” all the amazing forms of lava and signs of other volcanic activity. 

It is mind boggling to think about the heat that is below your feet every where you walk up at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park . There are stunning steam vents and a particularly magnificent Sulfur Bank. The steam vents are more visible when it is cold and foggy. The moisture collects in the cracks and then liquid water converts to the gaseous water (steam) which puffs out of the vents. Pu'u Pua'i overlook

Steam vent in Kilauea Iki crater/ from Pu'u Pua'i overlook / February 2016

As unique conditions are needed for plants and animals, this is true even for the many forms of volcanic growth. Not all cracks in the Earth, at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, are coated with crystallized sulfur. Some cracks put forth steam and the only evidence of sulfur is in the smell. Even among the many cracks at the Sulfur Banks there is unique variety. Just this one crack exhibited those beautiful crystals. The advanced crystal formation at this crack show very specific conditions are needed for crystal growth. Ha'akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail

Vent with sulfur crystals / Ha'akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail / February 2016

Certain trails will lead you to spectacular lava formations that jut into the air and show the power and uniqueness of lava flows. In general, there are two types of lava, pahoehoe and `a`a. In very simple terms, pahoehoe is smoother and ropey and `a`a is thick and jagged. 

Pahoehoe lava formation / Keanakāko'i Crater Trail / February 2016 

As I review the types and reexamine the photos below, I think the old flow on the Keanakāko'i Crater Trail includes both pahoehoe and `a`a lava flows but with some unexpected formations. In the photo above, there are the traditional plates and broken apart bubbles (large ones!) where you can still imagine the flowing lava that is now frozen in time. As you continue to hike you will see arched and statue-like upthrusts. Here like looking at clouds, you can imagine elephants and bridges in the shapes from afar.

Lava formations / Keanakāko'i Crater Trail / February 2016

Lava formations / Keanakāko'i Crater Trail / February 2016

I am not sure how these upthrusts formed but I was fascinated that once you got closer there were incredible, large pillar-like formations at the bases of the bridge-like formation. 

Pillar lava formations at the bridge base / Keanakāko'i Crater Trail / February 2016

A later photo shows lone pillars with no formation on top. Is this due to a different composition in the lava at that point in time? [These are not formed when trees are in the path of lava. Dead trees will form a hollow mold as the lava circles the tree and the tree later dies leaving the hole. Lava Tree State Monument]

Pillar lava formations / Keanakāko'i Crater Trail / February 2016

Two forms of lava, with uniform particles, are found miles apart. Within Kīlauea Iki crater is a large, spatter cone which was so explosive (1959) its cinder bits covered many square miles as the lava flew into the air. Spectacular eruption in 1959 When you hike all around the area of the crater your footsteps crunch on the dried, lava cinder.

Backside of the spatter cone / from Byron’s Ledge Trail / February 2016

Lava, when encountering water may explode into tiny particles to create black sand beaches like the one at Punalu’u Beach. The sand is also crunchy but shiny. Some older, black sand beaches with finer sand, and nearby running water, formed from eroding lava rocks. 

Black sand / Punalu’u Beach / February 2016

As always, closely viewing nature results in some thought-provoking and amazing finds that highlight the wonders of our Earth home! Some day, make a plan to go to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to discover your own Earth growth finds!