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On Tuesday, December 5, while mapping the 61g lava flow field, HVO geologists found that the active breakouts closest to the emergency route were 1.8 km (1.1 miles) from the gravel road. This spiny pāhoehoe breakout was small, about one meter (yard) in size, and weak.
Near the base of the pali and eastern 61g flow margin, HVO geologists witnessed a breakout from an inflating tumulus (upper left). The pāhoehoe flow formed a crust as it cooled, but could not contain the amount of lava being supplied from the tumulus. This ruptured the rigid crust (broken crust at the top of the breakout), and fluid lava poured out.
Zoomed in view of the small river of lava that formed after the flows internal pressure fractured a pāhoehoe toe. The river is fed by the evacuation of lava from the flows interior, while creating a cavity beneath the crust.
HVO geologist taking photos and making observations of an active pāhoehoe breakout. The active breakouts observed yesterday (December 5) on the coastal plain, were all being fed by the eastern tube (labeled in photo) from the June 26 breakout. The main 61g lava tube has also been supplying some coastal plain breakouts, but within a smaller area at the base of Pūlama Pali.
Video of an active breakout of the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō episode 61G lava flow. This breakout is below the pali on the eastern margin of the flow. pāhoehoe lava is flowing out from the base of an inflated tumulus, and has a characteristic blue tint to its surface crust (compared to the color of solidified lava around it).
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