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Global Volcanism Program | Image GVP-03459

The 3 x 5 km caldera at the summit of Kilauea is home of the Goddess Pele and has been Hawaii's most active volcano during historical time. Kilauea is a shield volcano on the east flank of Mauna Loa, visible in the distance. Eruptions originate both from within the summit caldera and from SW and E rift zones that extend to the sea and predominately produce lava flows, with occasional explosive eruptions. Photo by Richard Fiske, 1967 (Smithsonian Institution).

The 3 x 5 km caldera at the summit of Kīlauea is home of the Goddess Pele and has been Hawaii's most active volcano during historical time. Kīlauea is a shield volcano on the east flank of Mauna Loa, visible in the distance. Eruptions originate both from within the summit caldera and from SW and E rift zones that extend to the sea and predominately produce lava flows, with occasional explosive eruptions.

Photo by Richard Fiske, 1967 (Smithsonian Institution).

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Galleries: Shield Volcanoes

Keywords: shield volcano | caldera


Mauna Loa

Kilauea