Bibliography

Ellsworth, William L., and Robert Y. Koyanagi. "Three-dimensional crust and mantle structure of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii."

The Smithsonian/NASA Astrophysics Data System. Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory under NASA. 26 Mar. 2009 .

"Geology Section." Fire Works Studios. 2003. Fire Work Media. 26 Mar. 2009 .

Hall, Michelle, and Amanda DeCamp. "Effects on the Environment ." KILAUEA VOLCANO . 27 Mar. 2009 .

"Kilauea." Global Voclanism Program . Smithsonian. 23 Mar. 2009 .

"Kilauea." Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 13 Mar. 2007. U.S Gelogical Survey. 23 Mar. 2009 .

Knapp, Brian. Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Danbury, CT: Grolier Educational, 2000.

The Good and The Bad

Just like everything else in life there are positive and negative effects of Kilauea. We should start with the positive and that is the ash from the volcano has many minerals in it, so when it is spewed over the ground it creates rich and fertile soil for the plant life. The ash is very fine so it is easily broken down and mixed into the soil very quickly. On top of that Kilauea is a breath taking view especially against a sunset. Now for the bad... When a volcano erupts it releases gases. In Kilauea's case it emits water vapor, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen fluoride. Alone these gases are not bad but when sulfur dioxide combines with water it creates a chemical that damages skin, cloth, metal, and other materials. Also when the gases mix with atmospheric moisture acid rain results which causes plant life to die or slow down and can contaminate water supplies with lead. Lastly Kilauea's lava flow can damage property around and on it. We have just deal with the bad things about Kilauea and aperciate the good!!!

Eruption Style

Okay, Okay, Okay Kilauea has flank lava flow eruptions which are not extremely explosive. The lava in these eruptions is basaltic. Also the only hazard of the eruption is the lava and lahars there are no pyroclastic flows, or much debris. There are much more hazardous volcanoes than Kilauea.

Got Neighbors?

Yeah, Kilauea has neighbors. Its neighbors are Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Kohala. Only the summit of Kilauea is near Mauna Kea and Kohala but kilauea is actually on Mauna Loa!!!That is right people volcano's can have neighbors to.

The Volcano's Shape

Alright so Kilauea towers at a height of 4,190 feet above sea level. That is about 748 of me in case you were wondering. Also Kilauea has a rift zone, summit, and flank zone. Their is also a caldera on Kilauea which is a sign of youthfulness. Plus Kilauea has three fisure vents ( EAST RIFT ZONE, GREAT CRACK, and SOUTHWEST RIFT ZONE. Kilauea is home to 15 pit craters and two former pit craters. Pretty crazy right?

You might also want to know Kilauea's eruption History, Yeah?

So Kilauea's most recent eruption was January 3rd 1983 and it has been continuous every since.So you are pretty much guaranteed to see lava if you make a trip to go see Kilauea. Also Kilauea's most famous eruption is probably the one that began January 3rd 1983 since it is the longest lava flow so far in history. I now quite impressive right? It has been 26 years on January 3rd 2009.

Now where is this Volcano located???

Now, Now no worries about not being able to find this fabulous valcano cause i am going to tell you exactly where to find. First things first you should know that Kilauea is in the United States. The nearest major city is Hilo, Hawaii. That is right people this volcano is located in tropical pradise, HAWAII!!! So you might also be wondering what is the tectonic plate it is on or what type of plate boundary since some people have the misconception that all volcanos are on plate boundaries but geuss what.... Kilauea was formed on a HOT SPOT. By now you should probably have a good idea of where Kilauea is located but just in case i am wrong here are the coordinates: 19°25'16"N and 155°17'12"W.

What Type of Valcano is Kilauea???

Well you see here the grand volcano of Kilauea is a shield volcano. Currently Kilauea is in the forming stage.Also Kilauea is is an oceanic volcano not Continental but you probably already knew that since it is in the middle of the ocean. That is what makes it such a great vacation place!!!