Lava bench along edge of lava delta, Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i

Photo Information

Photograph by T.N. Mattox on November 30, 1993

This ocean-facing scarp and lava bench was formed when the leading edge of the delta subsided about 1 m into the sea. Note the prominent crack in the lower left on the delta side of the scarp -- such cracks often but not always develop just before the delta either subsides or collapses into the sea. The spatter and tephra deposits on the bench (lower right) are from small explosions at the edge of the bench.

The URL of this page is: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/hazards/oceanentry/deltacollapse/4296032_photocaption.html
Contact: hvowebmaster@usgs.gov
Updated: 2 June 2000 (SRB)

Photo Information
Photograph by T.N. Mattox on November 30, 1993
This ocean-facing scarp and lava bench was formed when the leading edge of the delta subsided about 1 m into the sea. Note the prominent crack in the lower left on the delta side of the scarp -- such cracks often but not always develop just before the delta either subsides or collapses into the sea. The spatter and tephra deposits on the bench (lower right) are from small explosions at the edge of the bench.