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)
Really FANTASTICCCCCCC!
Just spectacular !!! V O T E : 5********************************** :):):)
Wow, this is truly a hot photo! Glad you posted your notes. My first thought was hope he doesn't fall through the next skylight. This is spectacular...am going to add you to my favorites so I don't miss more of these outstanding images in the future. Over the years I have had the good fortune to visit Hawaii numerous times...but I still haven't visited lands such as this. I have always been working at one of the Army bases in the center of Oahu. At least I've been staying on Waikiki and doing the full tourist business at pearl, etc. Enjoy the rest of the weekend, Bill
you and punaguy have been taking some extraordinary photography here.......!
very cool
Beautiful composition and colors
Just stunning;)
You and Punaguy have a lot of very interesting, beautiful and unique captures! Bravo!!!
Very impressive my friend!! Excellent done!! 5+
Too amazing for words!!!.......
Very cool and really fantastic 5+++
Wow thats quite fascinating information you told us! and real cool capture you got!
Superb!! Brqavo Errol
WOW The Shot of the Year ! Amazing Lava GOD!
Kind of great abstract !
A so impressive photograph!
Beautiful. Well done !
Fantaaastic!
Great shot Errol and great information!!
IMPRESSIONNANT !!!!!!
fascinating! what a stunning and dangerous view! ;o)