Dust cloud caused by the collapse of the Halemaumau crater floor at...

(Public domain.)

Detailed Description

After the severe earthquake swarm in lower Puna subsided, seismic tremor became more pronounced at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. The floor of the crater of Halemaumau continued to collapse. On May 9, 1924, Park Superintendent Thomas Boles reported that: "Halemaumau is sinking rapidly and is now 800 feet (244 meters) down, with several cascades of red hot pasty lava and avalanches roaring continuously and sending up clouds of salmon-colored ashes to a height of a mile (1.6 km) or more." This photo shows an observer watching the dust cloud near the rim of the crater.

Details

Image Dimensions: 2705 x 2173

Date Taken: Friday, May 9, 1924

Source:

(HVO photo courtesy of Bishop Museum)