Hawaii volcano eruption creates 555 acres of new land as Big Island becomes BIGGER
USGS Lava flows towards the ocean from Kilauea's fissure 8
Mount Kilauea’s rivers of lava has destroyed more than 650 homes so far, including properties belonging to Big Island mayor Harry Kim and his deputy Will Okabe.
More than 2,000 people have been evacuated since the start of the eruption on May 3, with more than 20 fissures opening up exposing the island to the threat of fountains of lava bursting through the ground.
A picturesque corner of the island known as Kapoho Bay has been completely filled with lava as it pours into the ocean.
As a result it has turned into a hazardous area where toxic laze hangs in the air as a result of lava coming into contact with seawater.
USGS A night-time shot of the lava flowing from Kilauea volcano
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) tweeted: “At the ocean entry, lava has created 555 acres of new land.”
Mr Okabe, whose home in Kapoho Bay was destroyed, told Express.co.uk last week: “This is an extraordinary natural phenomenon.
“To see it on TV is spectacular, but to be there in person is something else.”
A USGS spokesman said yesterday: “At the coast, the northern margin of the flow field is still oozing pasty lava at several points in the area of Kapoho Beach Lots.
USGS Lava has completely filled the area formerly known as Kapaho Bay
“Lava was entering the sea over a broad area this morning primarily on the northern side of the flow front.
“As shown by the July 02 thermal map of the flow field, the lava channel has crusted over about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) inland of the ocean entry.
“Lava is oozing from the flow's molten interior into the ocean along most of its broad front.”
He also warned would-be swimmers against trying to enter the ocean near to where lava was entering the sea, adding: “Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water.
USGS A map shows the latest lava flows from Kilauea
“Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand.
“This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea.”
Volcanic activity is a major factor in land creation.
Loihi Seamount, an active submarine volcano located about 22 miles off the southeast coast of Hawaii, has been slowly rising up over the course of the last 400,000 years.
The new 555 acres of land around the cost of Big Island has been formed by lava erupted on and flowing into the sea The Open University's Professor David Rothery