Chronological narrative of the 1969-71 Mauna Ulu eruption of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

Abstract

The 1969-71 Mauna Ulu eruption on the upper east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano lasted from May 24, 1969 to October 15, 1971; it was the longest and most voluminous flank eruption at Kilauea during historic time. About 185 X 106 m3 of basaltic lava was erupted; the lava covered an area of approximately 50 km2 and built a parasitic shield 80 m high. The eruption can be divided into four stages, each of which was dominated by a particular pattern of behavior.