Volcano Watch — The 1859 eruption of Mauna Loa and its human impact

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This eruption is notable for several reasons. It is the most voluminous eruption in the post-contact period, and it produced a 52-km- (32-mile-) long lava flow, longest in the state. The eruption lasted for approximately 300 days, the second most lengthy of all Mauna Loa eruptions since the arrival of Europeans in Hawai`i. Furthermore, it is one of two historical eruptions from radial vents on the northwest and west flanks of Mauna Loa. The other radial eruption occurred in 1877, within Kealakekua Bay, just off Napo`opo`o.

During the initial stage of the 1859 flank eruption, two sets of subparallel fissures issued lava. The resulting flows moved as disorganized, anatomizing streams. People reported that, during the early days of the eruption, the glow from the eruptive activity was sufficient to allow one to read newsprint in Waimea! People on the south side of Maui saw the glow from across the channel.

Precursory activity was minimal. Mrs. Lyman, of Hilo, reported a few earthquakes in the months preceding the eruption, but just prior to the outbreak there was no significant earthquake activity to herald the onset of the eruption. The summit stage of the eruption was brief, and most people on the island did not know an eruption was in progress until the activity migrated down to the 2,135-m (7,000-ft) -level on Mauna Loa. Lava fountains reached 90 - 125 m (300 - 400 ft) high, forming several cones, the largest of which stands 45 m (150 ft) high and 76 m (250 ft) in diameter.

On the evening of January 30, the villagers of Wainanali`i were wakened by sounds of advancing lava and scrambled to remove personal effects from the path of the flows. Some villagers were taken by surprise and lost all their possessions. An `a`a flow reached the sea on the morning of January 31, eight days after the eruption started.

Lava flows advanced at speeds approaching 15 km per hour (ten miles per hour) on the steeper flanks of Mauna Loa and eventually slowed to a crawl as lava reached the saddle between Hualalai and Mauna Loa and the coastal plain. The average rate of advance was 6 km per hour (4 mph).

By March 7, `a`a flows gave way to pahoehoe. The eruption stabilized at a central vent, and open channels were supplanted by lava tubes as the flow field matured and the eruption developed toward a steady state. Pahoehoe eventually entered the sea south of Wainanali`i, at Kiholo, spreading out to fill the fishpond, extend the coastline for approximately 800 m (one-half mile), and form a lava delta that ultimately grew to nearly 3 km (two miles across).

The observers of this eruption were the first to postulate how `a`a forms. They recognized that `a`a and pahoehoe were identical chemically and that `a`a formed as a result of the lava cooling and thus impeding its ability to flow. Another keen observation was that lava tubes could enlarge by way of downcutting through the volcanic pile.

The eruption severely impacted the local community, filling fishponds, which were valuable resources and a symbol of a king's stature and prowess. Furthermore, the residents lost the use of a small, sheltered bay, and the district lost a coastal community.

Lava flow hazard is not only a modern-day phenomenon that affects those of us who live on active volcanoes. In the days of old, volcanic eruptions threatened the socio-economic fabric of the island. If a similar eruption occurred today, it could potentially reach the hotels from Waikoloa to Puako, affecting the Big Island's economy in a big way. Volcanic eruptions have been, and will continue to be, cause of concern. With continual development, this issue will become more acute, accentuating the risks and economic impact of eruptions.

Volcano Activity Update

Eruptive activity of Kilauea Volcano continued unabated at the Pu`u `O`o vent during the past week. Lava moves away from the vent toward the ocean in a network of tubes and descends Pulama pali in several separate tubes. Two major breakouts of the main tube system supply active flows above the pali. Many surface flows, mainly from breakouts of the Kamoamoa tube, are observed on the pali and in the coastal flats. Lava enters the ocean at Kamoamoa and the area east of Kupapa`u.

The public is reminded that the benches of the ocean entries are very hazardous, with possible collapses of the unstable new land. The steam clouds are extremely hot, highly acidic, and laced with glass particles. Swimming at the black sand beaches of the benches can be a blistering or even deadly venture.

One earthquake was reported felt during the week ending on January 17. Residents of Hilo, Glenwood, Honomu, and Hakalau felt an earthquake at 7:57 p.m. on January 10. The magnitude-3.0 earthquake was located 25 km (15 mi) southeast of Pohakuloa at a depth of 25.9 km (15.5 mi).