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New life on new land.
HVNP near Kalapana, Puna Coast,
Hawai`i. Ferns quickly colonize a fresh lava surface. |
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Kilauea Cauldera, eastern side,
HVNP, Hawai`i
The most massive active volcano
on the planet, Kilauea's cauldera was a seething lake of molten lava as
recently as the late 1800's. Volcanic activity has since shifted
away from the crater and the lava lake has crusted over - but streams of
sulfurous steam and the persistent smell of brimstone reminds one that
below its peaceful darkness, enormous geologic forces yet dwell.
Halemaumau crater (distant right) is the legendary dwelling place of Madame
Pele. |
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The End of the Road.
As though a giant had spilled dark
chocolate across the landscape, a congealed river of lava cuts off Chain
of Craters Road in Hawai`i Volcanos National Park. Steam twists skyward
in the distance where molten rock continues to pour into the sea. |
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The sun sets in Kona, Hawai`i.
Hundreds of tons of sulfur dioxide
spewed daily from active Kilauea create "vog", natural atmospheric pollution.
Scattering blue light like smog, vog makes the sunsets in Kona especially
spectacular following an eruption. |
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A sea turtle flys over the bottom
of Kahalu`u Bay, Hawai`i
These huge marine reptiles frequent
this shallow bay in the morning to feed on coral and algae, to the absolute
delight of snorklers! |
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A Spotted Pufferfish, Kahalu`u Bay,
Hawai`i
Very common to Hawaiian waters,
these fish are intelligent and will often check a snorkler out to see if
a "handout" may be had. Their teeth are formidable, but if unmolested
their disposition is mild. |
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A Needlefish, Kahalu`u Bay, Hawai`i
Perfectly adapted to life just
below the water's surface, schools of these needlelike fish often shoot
past like thin silvery torpedos. |
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A Threadfin Butterfly fish (Lau
Hau) hovers over the shallow coral of Kahalu`u Bay, Hawai`i.
The markings and coloration of
this fish are designed to confuse and frightem predators, either making
the fish look larger and more fearsome that it really is or by making it
look like where it isn't. The black "eye spot" on the tail may confuse
a striking predator, so that all it gets in a mouthful of water whilst
its prey darts nimbly away. |
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A Convict Tang, Kahalu`u Bay, Hawai`i
Dressed in their distinctive banded
"prisoner's garb", these fish are a commonly encountered denizen of the
reef. |
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Devastation Trail, Hawai`i Volcanos
National Park, Hawai`i.
Here, a 1959 eruption of volcanic
ash suffocated a grove of ohea trees, and their bleached skeletons contrast
starkly with the black lava ash. Today, life is quickly returning
to the region. |
