The Corpse Flower

Amorphophallus titanum, or the Corpse Flower is a rare native of Borneo. The specimen shown here, at the Panaewa Zoo in Hilo, is on loan from a private collector. I had the good fortune to be at the zoo to see it blooming, and to smell its pungent fragrance. It kind of smells like roadkill. In addition to its unique smell, the Corpse Flower also has the distinction of being the world's largest unbranched flowering plant.

Photo: Warren Costa

Tsunami Model: Japan Earthquake, March 11, 2011



Credit: “Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Prof. Takashi Furumura and Project Researcher Takuto Maeda”

New fissure between Pu'u O'o and Napau crater.

New fissure eruption SW of Pu`u `Ō `ō between Pu`u `Ō `ō and Napau crater. Spatter is reaching 15-20 m into the air, above the trees.

Photo: USGS

Video footage of new eruption at Kilauea volcano's East Rift Zone!

Amazing footage of new eruptive fissure atop Kilauea volcano.

Video: USGS

The Legend of the Niu

A classic film by Hawaii filmaker George Tahara. 

Lava within Halemaumau's Vent: Thursday, February 24, 2011

Here Is an image taken from the webcam perched above the eruptive vent on the floor of Kilauea volcano's, Halemaumau crater.

Photo: USGS



Spectacular View Into Halemaumau Crater

Spectacular aerial view looking into the vent on the floor of Halemaumau Crater. Overturning of crustal plates on the surface of the lava lake, and spattering can be seen.

Photo: USGS