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Lava fountain of Oct. 20, 1970

Detailed Description

Lava fountain of October 20, 1969 with viewing platform on top of Pu'u Huluhulu. The viewing platform has a stone wall facing the fountain; it can be reached by a national park trail. The platform was occupied by HVO geologists during fountaining episodes, from which the height of the fountains was measured and photos and movies taken. The distance from the fountain to the platform is about 800 m (2,600 ft). Even at that distance, radiant heat from the fountains was so intense that geologists had to hide behind the stone wall except when making measurements or taking photos. At times dry clumps of grass burst into flame next to the platform.