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The USGS Lava-Flow Hazard Zone Map is meant to convey relative volcanic hazard rather than risk.
A volcanic hazard is a destructive event that can occur in a given area or location, such as a lava flow or a volcanic earthquake, along with the probability of the event's occurrence. It is important to be aware of and understand the hazard, but, in a practical sense, nothing can be done to reduce the hazard itself. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are beyond human control.
Risk is the hazard multiplied by the vulnerability (the proportion of some resource, like people or land likely to be affected if the event occurs) multiplied, in turn, by the value (lives or property threatened). In shorthand: Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability x Value.
Risk can be mitigated, meaning that people can take actions to reduce their risk to a particular hazard. Risk assessment and mitigation involve social scientists who have expertise in determining “value” and “vulnerability” as defined in the above formula.
A published study indicating the relative risk of lava inundation in Zones 1 and 2 is not available at this time, so inquiries or complaints about increased rates should go to the respective insurance or mortgage companies.
Learn more: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Lava-Flow Hazards
Scientists use the term magma for molten rock that is underground and lava for molten rock that breaks through the Earth's surface.
Vog poses a health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) gas can irritate skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can penetrate airways, producing respiratory distress in some individuals. Aerosol particles in vog can also penetrate deep into human lungs and, at elevated levels, can induce symptoms of asthma. Physical...
Lava-flow hazard zones on Hawai'i Island reflect the long-term hazard of lava flows, not the short term hazard. Rate of lava coverage—not how recently lava covered an area—is the basis of long-term lava flow hazard. Zone 1: "Includes the summits and rift zones of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa (left) where vents have been repeatedly active in historic time." These areas are the most dangerous because all...
The Map Showing Lava-Flow Hazard Zones on Hawai'i Island reflects long-term lava-flow hazards based on geologic data: the behavior of Hawaiian volcanoes over decades to centuries, the distribution and ages of lava flows and volcanic vents, the structure of the volcano, and topography. The map will not be revised until the geologic processes/structures/topography of the volcanoes change enough to...
Yes, the Map Showing Lava-Flow Hazards Zones on Hawai'i Island is still accurate. It was most recently revised in 1992. The map is intended to communicate long-term lava-flow hazards, rather than short-term hazards, which can change daily during periods of eruptive activity. Hazard assessments are based on the assumption that future eruptions will be similar to those in the past. For the past 200...
The hazard zones for Hawai'i Island are based on: The locations of probable eruption sites (which are based on past eruption sites) The likely paths of lava flows erupted from those sites (based on topography and the paths of previous lava flows) The frequency of lava flow inundation of an area over the past several thousand years. The hazard zones also take into account structural and topographic...
Very hot!! Here are some temperatures recorded at different times and locations: The eruption temperature of Kīlauea lava is about 1,170 degrees Celsius (2,140 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature of the lava in the tubes is about 1,250 degrees Celsius (2,200 degrees Fahrenheit). The tube system of episode 53 (Pu'u O'o eruption) carried lava for 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the vent to the sea...
Not usually. Earthquakes associated with eruptions rarely exceed magnitude 5, and these moderate earthquakes are not big enough to destroy buildings and roads. The largest earthquakes at Mount St. Helens in 1980 were magnitude 5, large enough to sway trees and damage buildings, but not destroy them. During the huge eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991, dozens of light to moderate...
The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington) was the most destructive in the history of the United States. Novarupta (Katmai) Volcano in Alaska erupted considerably more material in 1912, but owing to the isolation and sparse population of the region, there were no human deaths and little property damage. In contrast, the eruption of Mount St. Helens caused loss of lives and...
Rising gradually to more than 4 km (2.5 mi) above sea level, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on our planet. Its submarine flanks descend to the sea floor an additional 5 km (3 mi), and the sea floor in turn is depressed by Mauna Loa's great mass another 8 km (5 mi). This makes the volcano's summit about 17 km (10.5 mi) above its base! Learn more: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Title: What on Earth is going on at Kilauea Volcano?
Title: What on Earth is going on at Kilauea Volcano?
After slowly moving downslope from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone since June 27, 2014, this active lava flow in Hawaiʻi reached the town of Pāhoa just before Halloween, destroying roads, a cemetery, and private property in this community.
After slowly moving downslope from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone since June 27, 2014, this active lava flow in Hawaiʻi reached the town of Pāhoa just before Halloween, destroying roads, a cemetery, and private property in this community.
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:
--fissures...fountains...and flows
by Matthew Patrick, USGS, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
--fissures...fountains...and flows
by Matthew Patrick, USGS, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Lava pours from the fissure just after daybreak and cascades out of sight into a deep crack. HVO geologist near upper right for perspective.
Lava pours from the fissure just after daybreak and cascades out of sight into a deep crack. HVO geologist near upper right for perspective.
Flows continue to be active south of the Kalapana access road, heading in a generally eastward direction. These breakouts were active just a few hundred meters east of the County lava viewing area.
Flows continue to be active south of the Kalapana access road, heading in a generally eastward direction. These breakouts were active just a few hundred meters east of the County lava viewing area.
Flows reached the Kalapana access road in the past day, and covered about 300 meters of asphalt. The burning asphalt created a plume of thick, black smoke.
Flows reached the Kalapana access road in the past day, and covered about 300 meters of asphalt. The burning asphalt created a plume of thick, black smoke.
Flow expansion over the past day also covered most of the former lava viewing area near the Kalapana access road. The County has since relocated the viewing area farther east.
Flow expansion over the past day also covered most of the former lava viewing area near the Kalapana access road. The County has since relocated the viewing area farther east.
Zoomed-in view of the current visitor viewing area at the end of Hwy 130.
Zoomed-in view of the current visitor viewing area at the end of Hwy 130.
Lava, on its southward journey to the ocean, crossed and buried the County lava viewing trail. The viewing area was relocated a short distance back from the flow margin.
Lava, on its southward journey to the ocean, crossed and buried the County lava viewing trail. The viewing area was relocated a short distance back from the flow margin.
A 3 meter (10 ft) high cascade feeds lava into an old quarry at the end of the Kalapana access road, within view of the County viewing area.
A 3 meter (10 ft) high cascade feeds lava into an old quarry at the end of the Kalapana access road, within view of the County viewing area.
Erupting vents on Mauna Loa’s northeast rift zone near Pu‘u‘ula‘ula (Red Hill) on Mar. 25, 1984, sent massive ‘a‘ā lava flows down the rift toward Kūlani.
Erupting vents on Mauna Loa’s northeast rift zone near Pu‘u‘ula‘ula (Red Hill) on Mar. 25, 1984, sent massive ‘a‘ā lava flows down the rift toward Kūlani.
Scientists use the term magma for molten rock that is underground and lava for molten rock that breaks through the Earth's surface.
Vog poses a health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments. Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) gas can irritate skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can penetrate airways, producing respiratory distress in some individuals. Aerosol particles in vog can also penetrate deep into human lungs and, at elevated levels, can induce symptoms of asthma. Physical...
Lava-flow hazard zones on Hawai'i Island reflect the long-term hazard of lava flows, not the short term hazard. Rate of lava coverage—not how recently lava covered an area—is the basis of long-term lava flow hazard. Zone 1: "Includes the summits and rift zones of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa (left) where vents have been repeatedly active in historic time." These areas are the most dangerous because all...
The Map Showing Lava-Flow Hazard Zones on Hawai'i Island reflects long-term lava-flow hazards based on geologic data: the behavior of Hawaiian volcanoes over decades to centuries, the distribution and ages of lava flows and volcanic vents, the structure of the volcano, and topography. The map will not be revised until the geologic processes/structures/topography of the volcanoes change enough to...
Yes, the Map Showing Lava-Flow Hazards Zones on Hawai'i Island is still accurate. It was most recently revised in 1992. The map is intended to communicate long-term lava-flow hazards, rather than short-term hazards, which can change daily during periods of eruptive activity. Hazard assessments are based on the assumption that future eruptions will be similar to those in the past. For the past 200...
The hazard zones for Hawai'i Island are based on: The locations of probable eruption sites (which are based on past eruption sites) The likely paths of lava flows erupted from those sites (based on topography and the paths of previous lava flows) The frequency of lava flow inundation of an area over the past several thousand years. The hazard zones also take into account structural and topographic...
Very hot!! Here are some temperatures recorded at different times and locations: The eruption temperature of Kīlauea lava is about 1,170 degrees Celsius (2,140 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature of the lava in the tubes is about 1,250 degrees Celsius (2,200 degrees Fahrenheit). The tube system of episode 53 (Pu'u O'o eruption) carried lava for 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the vent to the sea...
Not usually. Earthquakes associated with eruptions rarely exceed magnitude 5, and these moderate earthquakes are not big enough to destroy buildings and roads. The largest earthquakes at Mount St. Helens in 1980 were magnitude 5, large enough to sway trees and damage buildings, but not destroy them. During the huge eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991, dozens of light to moderate...
The May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington) was the most destructive in the history of the United States. Novarupta (Katmai) Volcano in Alaska erupted considerably more material in 1912, but owing to the isolation and sparse population of the region, there were no human deaths and little property damage. In contrast, the eruption of Mount St. Helens caused loss of lives and...
Rising gradually to more than 4 km (2.5 mi) above sea level, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on our planet. Its submarine flanks descend to the sea floor an additional 5 km (3 mi), and the sea floor in turn is depressed by Mauna Loa's great mass another 8 km (5 mi). This makes the volcano's summit about 17 km (10.5 mi) above its base! Learn more: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Title: What on Earth is going on at Kilauea Volcano?
Title: What on Earth is going on at Kilauea Volcano?
After slowly moving downslope from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone since June 27, 2014, this active lava flow in Hawaiʻi reached the town of Pāhoa just before Halloween, destroying roads, a cemetery, and private property in this community.
After slowly moving downslope from Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone since June 27, 2014, this active lava flow in Hawaiʻi reached the town of Pāhoa just before Halloween, destroying roads, a cemetery, and private property in this community.
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:
--fissures...fountains...and flows
by Matthew Patrick, USGS, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
--fissures...fountains...and flows
by Matthew Patrick, USGS, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Lava pours from the fissure just after daybreak and cascades out of sight into a deep crack. HVO geologist near upper right for perspective.
Lava pours from the fissure just after daybreak and cascades out of sight into a deep crack. HVO geologist near upper right for perspective.
Flows continue to be active south of the Kalapana access road, heading in a generally eastward direction. These breakouts were active just a few hundred meters east of the County lava viewing area.
Flows continue to be active south of the Kalapana access road, heading in a generally eastward direction. These breakouts were active just a few hundred meters east of the County lava viewing area.
Flows reached the Kalapana access road in the past day, and covered about 300 meters of asphalt. The burning asphalt created a plume of thick, black smoke.
Flows reached the Kalapana access road in the past day, and covered about 300 meters of asphalt. The burning asphalt created a plume of thick, black smoke.
Flow expansion over the past day also covered most of the former lava viewing area near the Kalapana access road. The County has since relocated the viewing area farther east.
Flow expansion over the past day also covered most of the former lava viewing area near the Kalapana access road. The County has since relocated the viewing area farther east.
Zoomed-in view of the current visitor viewing area at the end of Hwy 130.
Zoomed-in view of the current visitor viewing area at the end of Hwy 130.
Lava, on its southward journey to the ocean, crossed and buried the County lava viewing trail. The viewing area was relocated a short distance back from the flow margin.
Lava, on its southward journey to the ocean, crossed and buried the County lava viewing trail. The viewing area was relocated a short distance back from the flow margin.
A 3 meter (10 ft) high cascade feeds lava into an old quarry at the end of the Kalapana access road, within view of the County viewing area.
A 3 meter (10 ft) high cascade feeds lava into an old quarry at the end of the Kalapana access road, within view of the County viewing area.
Erupting vents on Mauna Loa’s northeast rift zone near Pu‘u‘ula‘ula (Red Hill) on Mar. 25, 1984, sent massive ‘a‘ā lava flows down the rift toward Kūlani.
Erupting vents on Mauna Loa’s northeast rift zone near Pu‘u‘ula‘ula (Red Hill) on Mar. 25, 1984, sent massive ‘a‘ā lava flows down the rift toward Kūlani.
