WATCH ABOVE: Lava lake overflowing from Kilauea Volcano
HONOLULU (AP) — A series of earthquakes and shifting ground on the slopes of Kilauea have scientists wondering what will happen next at one of the world’s most active volcanos.
A lake of lava near the summit of Kilauea on Hawaii’s Big Island had risen to a record-high level after a recent explosion.
But in the past few days, the pool of molten rock began sinking, and the surface of the lava lake fell nearly 500 feet. Meanwhile, a rash of earthquakes rattled the volcano with as many as 20 to 25 quakes per hour.
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Volcano scientist Steve Brantley says the lava has been dropping out of sight, and it has to be going somewhere. He says one possibility is that a new lava eruption could break through the surface of the mountain.
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