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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Coordinates: 19°23′N 155°12′W / 19.383°N 155.200°W / 19.383; -155.200
This article is about a World Heritage Site
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Pāhoehoe Lava and ʻAʻā flows
Map showing the location of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Map showing the location of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Location in the Hawaiian Islands
LocationHawaii County, Hawaii, US
Nearest cityHilo
Coordinates19°23′N 155°12′W / 19.383°N 155.200°W / 19.383; -155.200
Area323,431 acres (1,308.88 km2)[1]
EstablishedAugust 1, 1916
Visitors2,016,702 (in 2017)[2]
Governing bodyNational Park Service
WebsiteHawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
CriteriaNatural: viii
Reference409
Inscription1987 (11th Session)

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a national park in the U.S. state and island of Hawaii. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[3] The park was created in 1916. It includes The Mauna Loa, which is the Earth's biggest volcano, and Kilauea, the Earth's most active volcano.

The park shows the results of millions of years of volcanism, and evolution. These processes produce bare land from the sea, and with complex and unique ecosystems, a distinct Ancient Hawaiian culture. Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa is the biggest, it offers scientists with insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands, and can give visitors views of the dramatic volcanic landscapes.

In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987.[4]

Recent events

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On March 19, 2008, there was a small explosion in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, the first explosive event since 1924 and the first eruption in the Kīlauea caldera since September 1982.

Debris from the explosion was scattered over an area of 74 acres (300,000 m2). A small amount of ash was also reported at a nearby community. The explosion covered part of Crater Rim Drive and damaged Halemaʻumaʻu overlook. The explosion did not release any lava, which suggests to scientists that it was driven by hydrothermal or gas sources.[5]

This explosion event followed the opening of a major sulfur dioxide gas vent, greatly increasing levels emitted from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.[6]

In 2008, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes became sister parks.[7]

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  • Walking across the cooled lava
    Walking across the cooled lava
  • Lava erupting from the vent at Halemaʻumaʻu
    Lava erupting from the vent at Halemaʻumaʻu
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References

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  1. ↑ "Listing of acreage – December 31, 2011" (XLSX). Land Resource Division, National Park Service. Retrieved 2012-03-07. (National Park Service Acreage Reports)
  2. ↑ "NPS Annual Recreation Visits Report". National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-02-26.
  3. ↑ UNESCO, "Hawaii Volcanoes National Park"; retrieved 2012-4-19.
  4. ↑ "Hawai'i's Only World Heritage Site". Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park web site. National Park Service. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
  5. ↑ Explosive eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Kilauea Volcano.
  6. ↑ "Closed Areas". Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park web site. National Park Service. Retrieved 2009-12-02.
  7. ↑ "Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes Sister Park Arrangement". National Park Service. June 2, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2020.

Other websites

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Media related to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at Wikimedia Commons

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