Flying closer to the vent of Pu'u O'o, we were able to look at the steam and sulfur dioxide emanating from the cone. No lava has been visible here for a few months, but it is there, traveling down the cone through lava tube systems. In the foreground of the lower picture, one can see the very fresh pahoehoe flows. They are silvery in color because they have a thin coating of glass. On the older surface, oxidation has removed the glass and given the rock the prominent reddish brown color. It is a ghastly landscape!
Like he said, WOW. I remember last year when it started back up. Now you have your own photos to add to a class assignment :)
ReplyDeleteDave in Modesto Ca.