Skylights are formed by sharky_
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
At the time I hiked with Punaguy, this skylight was not here as I have been tracking the lava tube to the Pali (hill) several times before. Skylights are formed when the roof of a lava tube collapse exposing the fluid lava flowing. It does add to the heat lost in the lava tubes cooling the lava somewhat. Cracks in the lava tube walls (50 ft away), air and rain seepage also adds to the cooling of the fluid lava. At some point, the lost of heat will cause the fluid lava to crystallize. Scientist has measured the heat lost within a lava tube in earlier flows with certain equations.
qcond = 2k/cosh-1(2ho/D+1); qconv = 0.565 Ra1/2 T k; Ra =air g K T D / ( ); qrain = dw/dt Dw w Lw; qvisc = m g z/t = Q g z/x
But its not happening here. My method here is simple. Pour water over the area you walk on. If it evaporates to fast? Stop! Get off! Simple as that. Forget about the heat loss. And don't be at this particular point when the skylight is formed. Aloha and thank you for viewing
ps. See some incredible pictures of the plume exploding by "Punaguy" .

Comments (51)
Wow thats just something amazing to get to see, awesome photo.
Man that looks hot mate! I know you are always careful when out there... Great shot! If I ever get back to Hawaii you'll have to show me around all these places of yours :) :)
You put it in very simple terms, Errol---wow!!!
… a view dirket on the lava! Wonderful photo and impressions!!!!
An impressive image!
Wow! Magnificent shot of true world-building. Thank you!
Incredible! I had a walk through an old tube couple of weeks ago in Pico, Azores. At 5 km. long I think it's the longest extant. Entrance is through a skylight half way down. But it was nice and cool, your shot gives me an idea of what it looked like when it was forming. Thanks!
Powerful image and good information. Stay safe. Aloha!
Your photos have me hanging off the edge of the chair! Absolutely astonishing.
Incredible capture and info, Errol. Outstanding work. Aloha. Diane. xx
Cool presentation, awesome image:):):)
Gorgeous shot, looks incredibly hot!
very clever Errol! superb capture.
This shot is just amazing. I can only imagine the awe you must feel at seeing this for real. The pictures of flowing lava on TV always just mesmerize me. The beauty is incredible on TV and in this picture. Your photos have only increased my desire to get to Hawaii to see this in person.
Gosh! you guys had made me feel as though I was there! thankyou again!
Another great shot. This skylight is beautiful. Hum, pour water. That is a great tip. Glad you are still safe. Aloha
really amazing !!! pleaseee stay safe you guys !!! love the series you and dave are doing you brave souls !! and facinating skylight capture !!! so spectacular now how many new pair of shoes have you had to get i wonder lol~~!!
Truly amazing capture....I was always fascinated seeing this on tv and here you experience it in real life! Wonderful image, and lol at your method versus the scientific method. :)
Wonderful capture!!! :)
Excellent capture Hugs Susan~
I would imagine if we were privvy to a glimpse into hell, this is what it would look like. Magnificent! I think I would be a danger to myself is seeing this first had because I would either run in terror or become hypnotized by the sight and root to the ground with my mouth open.
you almost had me trying to decipher equations again.I have avoided it for many moons.outstanding capture
Very intrguing and interest comments to accompany this image. Tony.
wow looks like we in the days of the cave men walking the earth. super looking
Terrific silhouetting and fluid lava color in this shot, Errol. Sounds and looks like a scene from a Indiana Jones movie. Aloha.
Brilliant capture of the opening.
You guys have sure become an incredible team of photo reporters, another excellent shot Errol!!!! Be safe & keep up the fantastic work!!! Aloha...
Interesting info. and capture you can almost feel the heat from the lava!!!
FANTASTIC COMPOSITION :)
Wonderfully!