December was an exciting month for lava on Kilauea, especially if you like 'a'a (see above)! Several times the lava tubes choked up and lava broke out on the steep southern slope (the "pali"). These breakouts sent a'a flows charging down the slope, taking out new swaths of trees on the eastern end of the flowfield. On Dec. 18 and on the 29th, we caught some nice activity, as surges of a'a came down.
Ken filmed this channel on Dec. 18. He had to climb up on the edge of the flow so he could see down its channel.
Ken filmed this channel on Dec. 18. He had to climb up on the edge of the flow so he could see down its channel.
