Title: Hawaiian Submarine Volcano Kamaʻehuakanaloa Reveals Fascinating Insights into Its Eruptive History
Mineral County, (Date) – The underwater volcano Kamaʻehuakanaloa, also known as Lōʻihi Seamount, has captivated scientists from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, who have unraveled its eruptive past, dating back almost 2,000 years. This groundbreaking research sheds light on the development of Kamaʻehu and neighboring volcano Kīlauea, offering a glimpse into the rich geological history of Hawaii.
Kamaʻehuakanaloa stands at its earliest submarine “pre-shield” stage of growth, exhibiting a fascinating contrast to Kīlauea, which is currently in its main shield-building stage. By using a mass spectrometer to measure radium-226 in samples of solidified lava from the seafloor outcrops of Kamaʻehu, scientists were able to estimate the ages of the most recent eruptions, as well as eight more ancient eruptions.
To confirm their findings, the research team also relied on submersible dive images and videos, further solidifying their estimates of eruption ages. Their study found that Kamaʻehu experiences eruptions at a much slower rate than Kīlauea, with an estimated frequency of roughly every 30 years. This stands in stark contrast to Kīlauea’s nearly continuous eruption activity.
Furthermore, the lava chemistry of Hawaiian volcanoes has been observed to change over time. Kamaʻehu’s lava chemistry varies on a timescale of approximately 1200 years, while Kīlauea’s changes occur on a much shorter scale, ranging from a few years to decades.
This research not only offers valuable insights into the unique behaviors of Kamaʻehu, but it also provides evidence supporting the notion that the position of volcanoes over the Hawaiian hotspot affects the timescales of lava chemistry variation. The scientists’ ultimate goal is to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind volcanic eruptions and the intricate workings of Hawaiian volcanoes throughout their growth stages.
These discoveries open up avenues for future research and the potential to forecast volcanic behavior more accurately. With a comprehensive understanding of volcanic activity, scientists can enhance prediction models, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities living in volcanic regions.
As Kamaʻehuakanaloa continues to evolve and shape the underwater landscape of Hawaii, the study’s findings serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet.
