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Quizzes > Science > Earth & Space Science

Take the Kilauea Facts Quiz - Test Your Volcano Knowledge

Discover fun facts about Kilauea volcano in Hawaii and dive into the quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of layered Kilauea volcano with quiz text on dark blue background

Ready to dive into the fiery world of Kilauea? Our "Mind-Blowing Kilauea Facts" quiz is the perfect chance to test your knowledge of this legendary crater and discover fun facts about Kilauea volcano in Hawaii you never knew. This free, interactive challenge is packed with fun facts about Kilauea - like its shape-shifting magma chambers and rare lava lake - so you'll unearth interesting facts about Kilauea and thrill in kilauea fun facts. Whether you're a geology buff or curious explorer, tackle these volcano questions and amp up your volcanic IQ with our engaging quiz volcanoes . Take the plunge now, get instant feedback, share your score, and prove you're the ultimate lava legend!

Where is Kilauea volcano located?
Japan
Iceland
Hawaii
Alaska
Kilauea is situated on the southeastern coast of the Island of Hawaii. It is one of the five volcanoes that form the island and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Its location in the Hawaiian Islands makes it a key site for volcanic study and tourism. USGS: Kilauea Volcano
What type of volcano is Kilauea classified as?
Stratovolcano
Caldera volcano
Shield volcano
Cinder cone
Kilauea is a classic example of a shield volcano, characterized by gentle slopes built by low-viscosity basaltic lava flows. Shield volcanoes produce broad, dome-shaped structures rather than the steep profiles of stratovolcanoes. This basaltic activity leads to frequent but relatively non-explosive eruptions. USGS: Volcano Glossary
In Hawaiian, what does the name Kilauea mean?
Spewing
Fire Mountain
Smoke
Peaceful Place
The name K?lauea comes from the Hawaiian words for spewing or much spreading, reflecting its frequent lava outpourings. This name highlights the volcano's persistent effusive behavior. It is one of the most active sites of lava flow in the world. University of Hawaii Hilo: K?lauea
In which year was Kilaueas first documented eruption observed by Westerners?
1823
1906
1779
1840
The first Western account of an eruption at Kilauea was recorded in 1823 by explorer William Ellis. Indigenous Hawaiians of course knew and worshipped the volcano long before, but this marks the start of formal scientific observation. Since then, Kilaueas eruptions have been continuously documented. USGS HVO Overview
Which continuous feature first appeared inside K?laueas Halema?uma?u crater in 2008?
A large glacier
A new hot spring
A persistent lava lake
A pyroclastic cone
In 2008, a lava lake began to form in Halema?uma?u crater and persisted for several years. This was the first long-lived lava lake observed at K?lauea in over a century. Its behavior provided important insights into magma supply and conduit dynamics. USGS: K?lauea Activity
Which volcanic hazard is most commonly associated with eruptions of K?lauea?
Volcanic tsunamis
Lahars
Lava flows
Pyroclastic flows
K?laueas eruptions are predominantly effusive, producing low-viscosity lava flows that can travel long distances. Unlike explosive stratovolcanoes, K?lauea rarely generates pyroclastic flows. Lava inundation poses the main threat to infrastructure and communities. USGS: K?lauea Hazards
Which branch of the USGS is responsible for monitoring K?laueas volcanic activity?
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Pacific Seismic Lab
National Geological Survey
Volcanic Monitoring Division
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is the USGS branch tasked with studying and monitoring volcanoes in Hawaii, including K?lauea. HVO deploys seismic, GPS, gas, and visual monitoring systems to track changes. Their data are crucial for eruption forecasts and hazard assessments. USGS HVO
Which eruptive zone produced the major outbreak that destroyed hundreds of homes in 2018?
Summit Crater
Lower East Rift Zone
Southwest Rift Zone
Northeast Rift Zone
In May 2018, fissures opened along K?laueas Lower East Rift Zone, producing lava flows that inundated the Leilani Estates community. This event destroyed over 700 homes, making it one of the most damaging volcanic disasters in Hawaiis recorded history. It highlighted the risks of rift-zone eruptions. USGS: 2018 Eruption
What type of magma primarily characterizes K?laueas eruptions?
Andesitic magma
Basaltic magma
Rhyolitic magma
Dacitic magma
K?lauea erupts predominantly basaltic magma, which has low silica content and low viscosity. This allows lava to flow easily and form broad shield structures rather than building steep cones. Basaltic eruptions are typically less explosive than those from more silica-rich magmas. USGS: Magma Types
Which hotspot is responsible for creating K?lauea and the Hawaiian Islands?
Mid-Atlantic Ridge hotspot
Juan de Fuca hotspot
Pacific Plate hotspot
East African Rift hotspot
The Hawaiian Islands, including K?lauea, formed as the Pacific Plate moved over a stationary mantle plume often called the Hawaiian hotspot. This deep-seated source of heat melts the overlying crust to produce magma. As the plate migrates, a chain of volcanoes forms. USGS: Hotspot Theory
Compared to stratovolcanoes, K?laueas magma chamber is typically:
Low in temperature
High in silica
Shallow and broad
Deep and narrow
Shield volcanoes like K?lauea have shallow, broad magma chambers that allow low-viscosity basalt to accumulate and flow. Stratovolcanoes often harbor deeper, more confined reservoirs feeding explosive eruptions. The geometry of the chamber influences eruption style and volcanic structure. USGS: HVO Magma System
Which volcanic gas is emitted in the greatest volume by K?lauea?
Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen sulfide
Sulfur dioxide
Water vapor
Water vapor (H?O) constitutes the largest fraction of gases released from K?lauea, often exceeding 70% of the total. Other gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide are also significant but occur in smaller proportions. Gas composition helps volcanologists understand magma source and degassing. USGS: Volcanic Gases
Which seismic imaging technique is most commonly used to map K?laueas subsurface magma pathways?
Magnetotelluric surveying
Ground-penetrating radar
Seismic tomography
Gravity anomaly mapping
Seismic tomography uses the travel times of seismic waves from earthquakes to construct 3D images of subsurface structures, making it ideal for delineating magma chambers and conduits. This technique has revealed complex pathways beneath K?lauea. It is more effective at depth than ground-penetrating radar or gravity surveys. Seismic Research Letters
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Core Kilauea Facts -

    After completing the quiz, readers will be able to accurately recall key details about Kilauea's location, formation, and eruption history.

  2. Identify Geological Features -

    Participants will recognize fun and interesting facts about Kilauea's physical structure, including its caldera, lava flows, and vent systems.

  3. Compare Eruption Events -

    Users will analyze differences between historical and recent eruptions to understand how Kilauea's activity has evolved over time.

  4. Analyze Volcano Trivia -

    Quiz takers will sharpen their volcano trivia skills by evaluating fun facts about Kilauea and testing their knowledge accuracy.

  5. Evaluate Environmental and Cultural Impacts -

    Readers will assess how Kilauea's eruptions affect Hawaii's ecosystems, communities, and cultural heritage.

  6. Apply Knowledge to New Contexts -

    After engaging with the free quiz, participants will apply their kilauea facts knowledge to future geology quizzes and discussions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Shield Volcano Structure -

    Kīlauea is a classic shield volcano built almost entirely of fluid basalt lava that flows in wide, gentle sheets (USGS). This low-viscosity lava lets Kīlauea grow broad and flat, unlike steep stratovolcanoes. Remember "S.H.I.E.L.D." - Soft, Hot, Incredibly Extensive Lava Deposits - to recall its shape.

  2. Eruption History & Monitoring -

    Since 1952, Kīlauea's eruptions have been closely tracked by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, making it one of the world's best-monitored volcanoes (HVO). Detailed seismic and gas-emission data help predict activity and keep communities safe. Tracking includes mapping Pu'u 'Ō'ŝ flows and summit lava lake levels to understand real-time changes.

  3. Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Dynamics -

    At the summit lies Halemaʻumaʻu, a pit crater that has housed a lava lake at various times; its floor subsided in 2018, demonstrating collapse processes (Journal of Volcanology & Geothermal Research). Monitoring inflation and deflation cycles via GPS stations reveals magma chamber behavior. Think of it as Kīlauea's "heartbeat monitor" for summit unrest.

  4. Lava Flow Types: Pahoehoe vs ʻAʻĝ -

    Basaltic flows on Kīlauea form slick, ropey pahoehoe or rough, clinkery ʻaʻĝ - two hallmarks of kilauea fun facts (Smithsonian Institution). A handy mnemonic: "Pahoehoe is Pretty and Smooth, 'A'ĝ is Abrasive and Chunky." Flow type depends on temperature and gas content, affecting hazards and lava advance speed.

  5. Cultural & Ecological Impact -

    For Native Hawaiians, Kīlauea is home to Pele, the fire goddess, giving the volcano deep cultural significance (Bishop Museum). Eruptions renew soil fertility, fostering unique rainforest habitats around its slopes. These interesting facts about Kīlauea show how geology and culture intertwine on the Big Island.

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