HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – Today began two consecutive fee-free weekends at Hawaii Volcnoes National Park in celebration of National Park Week in April. That makes this week’s USGS Volcano Watch article especially timely.
The Volcano Watch article below, giving tips for trekking lava enthusiasts, is the latest installment of a long-running, weekly work provided by U.S. Geological Survey`s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and colleagues.
on April 15, 2017
What’s Hot and Not in Lava Field Fashion
An estimated 1,500 visitors a day hike across the lava flow fields to view the ocean entry and search for active lava breakouts. Round-trip walking distance is far; a one-way trip to the ocean entry from Kalapana is around 4 miles. Add the chase for active lava, milling about, and your hike will quickly add up to over 10 miles when you return.
With most visitors to Hawaii not packing much real hiking gear, it’s not uncommon to see visitors to the ocean entry that are not dressed for the adventure.
Here are some tips from for essential lava field fashion from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists who walk miles on Kīlauea lava flows—both new and old.
Fields of newly erupted lava are not flat—they’re hummocks, cracks and crags that have been uplifted and overturned by the pressure of molten lava moving within the flows. To prevent sprains, shoes with support are a must. Boots with high ankle tops are ideal. But, low or mid-top shoes will work with thicker socks. No-show socks, or no socks at all, are not recommended as they provide fragments of glass a direct path to your skin.
The glass fragments are produced from the thin surface of solidified pahoehoe. It crunches under foot and peels away to form razor sharp flakes. These flakes lie in wait, ready to scrape an ungloved hand if extended to the ground during a stumble or fall. So, if you go walking far distances on the pahoehoe, it’s a good idea to wear light gloves to help catch your fall. Cotton garden gloves work fine. While hiking with these seems silly, one fall without them and you’ll be a believer. Light gloves are standard gear among the scientists and student groups that regularly visit the flow field.
Light cotton clothing is recommended as a base layer, or next to the skin. Long-sleeved shirt and long pants made of natural fiber will not only prevent sunburn, they also offer a measure of protection against scrapes and abrasions. Synthetic clothing, while fast-drying and light, must not be exposed too closely to an active lava flow or it will quickly melt. While this is usually not dangerous, it will ruin the material. Particularly today’s expensive rain gear (which should be in your pack too).
Most light shoes, not matter how fashionable, will melt if you stand on hot lava. This is obvious. However, what’s not so obvious is what a hot, or freshly-formed, lava flow looks like. Contrary to popular belief, a flow formed minutes ago does not glow an orange-red. Its surface is a dull silver color, and the air above it shimmers with heat.
Melting shoes are often not immediately noticed by the wearer. The attention getter is when the soles separate. Stitched soles, common on heavy hiking boots, are ideal as they do not delaminate under heat. But, the more affordable glued soles are fine as long as you watch the ground temperature closely. Don’t wear shoes with steel toes or metal shanks. The metal can heat up to foot-cooking temperatures.
Best practice is to keep safe distances from active lava to protect your skin and those outdoor-gear investments.
All the usual accessories are still in fashion: hat, sunglasses, backpack, etc. Multiple water bottles are recommended. Another overlooked item, the flashlight, is so in vogue that anyone sporting one will be the life of the party as soon as the sun goes down. Since the best viewing is during dawn or dusk (when you can see the glow), an LED flashlight or headlamp is priceless. So, don’t go without one, day or night.
Of course, all this fashion does come with a formality: Remember to stay in designated safe areas despite what you see or read in social media.
Additional Information on hiking to the ocean entry and lava viewing can be found at:
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lava-related/
https://www.nps.gov/media/video
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2000/fs152-00/
by Big Island Video News6:37 pm
on at
STORY SUMMARY
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK (BIVN) - "What's Hot and What's Not" on the hot, jagged lava field - according to scientists with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.