Page 107 - 2015

Vclcau·c ilcficu in Hawaii and Jcelaud
Lava from the Bardarbunga volcano flowed after a series of earthquakes in late August, expanding the size of Iceland. The spreading of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates allowed lava to fill the gap, increasing Iceland's land
area; enough molten rock was released to cover an NFL football field every 5.5 minutes. Unlike the eruption in Hawaii, no one lived near Bardarbunga's lava flow. Mount Kilauea on Hawaii's 'Big Island', one of the world's most active volcanos, erupted in June, threatening surrounding communities with a continuous river of lava. It surged toward the town of Pahoa causing most residents to evacuate, as there were few other options. Gravel roads were built as escape routes, but some residents requested to watch their homes burn in order to cope with the loss.