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Lower bench grows seaward again after lava delta collapse, Kīlauea

2000 (approx.)

Detailed Description

Following collapse of a lava delta, new flows will build the leading edges of the delta seaward once more. This leading edge is often a few meters lower than the previous delta surface. Scientists refer to this new part of the delta as a bench. In many cases, what appears to be a former sea cliff is actually the headwall scarp of an earlier collapse event that cut back into the middle of the delta (the sea cliff is still buried by the delta). The entire area is unstable and may collapse into the sea!

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.