The three major population centers, Lahaina on the left at the western tip of island, Wailuku left of center, and Kihei in the lower center appear as small yellow, white or purple mottled areas. Haleakala Crater was produced by erosion during previous ice ages rather than by volcanic activity, although relatively recent small eruptions have produced the numerous volcanic cones and lava flows that can be seen on the floor of the crater. The most recent eruption took place near the coast at the southwestern end of East Maui volcano in the late 1700s. Such a time frame indicates that East Maui should be considered a dormant, rather than an extinct volcano. A new eruption is therefore possible in the next few hundred years.
Rain forests appear in yellow, while grassland is shown in dark green, pink and blue.
Radar images such as this one are being used by scientists to understand volcanic processes and to assess potential threats that future activity may pose to local populations. North is toward the upper left. Space Shuttle Back to index. All Rights Reserved.