BBC Learning English
Words in the News
Hawaii's volcano could turn violent
9th December 2011
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano attracts two million tourists every year, who photograph its
spectacular lava rivers. But scientists have discovered explosive eruptions have been far
more common through Kilauea's history. If that behaviour returns, it could have
implications for Hawaii's economy. BBC's Jonathan Amos reports:
There's no doubting Kilauea's beauty. Its frequent lava flows running down to the
ocean's edge are a big attraction.
But scientists say their latest research indicates that explosive eruptions of ash and rock
have been far more common in the past than the gentle, photogenic outflows seen
today.
By studying the charred remains of plants caught up in historic blasts, they've
established that Kilauea's more violent mode has dominated the last 2,500 years.
A classic example was 1790, when the volcano hurled rock and ash at island inhabitants,
killing many hundreds of people. The event remains the most lethal known eruption in
America.
Scientists say it's not possible to predict if this violent behaviour will return but should it
come back, large parts of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park would be off-limits for a long
time.
Scientists say there should be ample warning of a change in behaviour so it's not
something local people should worry about just now.
Jonathan Amos, BBC News
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2011
Page 1 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com
Vocabulary and definitions
no doubting no questioning of the truthfulness (of something)
lava flows continuous movement of lava in the form of a river
gentle mild and soft
outflows outpour
the charred remains matter reduced to charcoal after being burnt
violent mode behaviour marked by great force and intensity
lethal deadly
to predict to say something will happen before it does
off-limits area not to be entered, of limited access
warning message indicating impending danger
More on this story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16063198
Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/12/111209_witn_hawaii_volcano.shtml
Words in the News © British Broadcasting Corporation 2011
Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com