HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii (AP) - The National Park Service is closing a lava viewing area on the Big Island after a large section of lava collapsed into the ocean on New Year’s Eve.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park said Monday no one was injured when the lava delta collapsed and sent showers of volcanic rock into the air.
Lava deltas are formed when lava enters the ocean and builds new land on loose and unstable substrate. Saturday’s collapse set off large waves that eroded part of the older sea cliff and lava viewing area. Rangers say loud cracks continue to be heard throughout the area.
The Park Service says the Kamokuna ocean entry within the park will remain until it’s safe to reopen. Rangers and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists are surveying the area.
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