This gas discharge is equivalent to the gas contained in about 400,000 m 3 of lava, which agrees well with direct measurements of lava discharge made above the lava tube about 5 km from the vent. We have not observed lava in the crater for several months but it first passes beneath the vent before entering the lava tube through which it travels to the sea. Roof of lava tube collapses October 20. Since this part of the tube formed in August 1997, flowing lava has eroded the underlying lava flows to form a tube that is taller than it is wide. Lava erodes the underlying lava flows by melting and mechanically eroding or abrading the brittle rocks beneath.
Geologist stands atop the former sea cliff above the active lava bench.
Note absence of new lava left of the arrow, which marks the same location as in the top image. Aerial view of long Kamokuna lava bench on the southeast coast of Kilauea Volcano. Note location of the former sea cliff. Aerial view of long Kamokuna lava bench on the southeast coast of Kilauea Volcano. Note location of the former sea cliff.