Life Returns, Cinder Cone, Kilauea Volcano

[sabbath999]

Taken January, 2008.

EXIF: NIKON D40, 18-55 Kit Lens, 1/80s f/10.0 ISO200 18mm

The bleaching on the tree is caused by volcanic acid rain, this sits just windward of a major vent.

 

[shootLib]

Thats so beautiful. great photo! def. catches my eye.

 

[Antarctican]

How interesting, that oasis of green amidst the volcanic ash and moon-like treeless scenery.

 

[LaFoto]

And now Kilauea has broken out again...

 

[sabbath999]

And now Kilauea has broken out again...

Yes.

In fact, this tree is located southeast of the Halema`uma`u crater, off of crater rim drive, which is the area that has been temporarily closed by the park due to high gas emissions... that gas mixes with rain and drenches the whole area around where this tree grows (and everything in the lee of the crater) making some pretty severe acid rain.

Kilauea is alive and vibrant. It is my favorite place on earth, and I return there every once or twice a year at least.