DISAPPEARANCE OF A LAKE OF LAVA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 44, 6 January 1880, Page 3

DISAPPEARANCE OF A LAKE OF LAVA.

■ —— One feature of the last eruption of the remarkable volcano in the Sandwich Islands is the fact that the great molten lake of lava, occupying a huge caldron nearly a mile in length, and known as the “ South Lake,” was drawn off subterraneously, giving no visible indication of its pathway or the place of its final deposit. “ Other eruptions,” writes Dr. Coan to Professor Dana in a letter dated June 20, “have blazed their way on the surface to the sea, or while on their subterranean way have rent the superincumbent beds, throwing out jets of steam or of sulphurous gases, with here and there small patches or broad areas of lava. But as yet no surface marks of this kind reveal the silent, solemn, course of ibis burning river. One theory is that it flowed deep in subterranean fissures, and finally disembogued far out at sea. Our ocean was much disturbed during those days, and we had what might be called a tidal-wave of moderate magnitude.” The old process of replenishment which had gone on since the last eruption in 18C8 is reported to have begun again, and after another decade another disgorgement may takeplace.