Hawaii’s ‘Lava Fire Hose’ Is Back at It Again
It’s been spurting candy-colored lava for over a month.
It was a sad thing to lose—a fluorescent torrent of red-hot lava pouring from the side of a rocky cliff, accompanied by billowing acid steam and leaping bits of rock.
But even the greatest performers can’t resist an encore. As the New York Times reports, after a brief hiatus, Hawaii’s 61g lava flow—which had entertained spectators, thrill-seekers, geologists for a straight month until it stopped last week—is back and better than ever.
The 61g lava flow, which has earned the nickname “the fire hose,” is pouring out of Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano. This volcano, which last erupted 34 years ago, is constantly sending leftover lava through tubes and into the ocean. But it’s rare that a dispensary is as visible, and as long-lasting, as this guy—usually, the lava cools and piles until it builds into a delta and stops itself up, experts told the Times.
61g was first discovered on New Year’s Eve, when a massive chunk of rock collapsed and exposed the stream to public view. Thousands of visitors flocked to the site to watch the gush. But the fun ended last Thursday, when a massive chunk of cliff collapsed, obscuring the torrent, Hawaii News Now reported.
Now, thanks to another collapse, it’s back and better than ever. In a clip by Big Island Video News, fans on a tour boat film as it vomits its scarlet bile into the ocean. May it do so for eternity.
Every day, we track down a fleeting wonder—something amazing that’s only happening right now. Have a tip for us? Tell us about it! Send your temporary miracles to cara@atlasobscura.com.
Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders.
Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook