Kupaianah Lava Lake, Hawaii Target Name:   Earth's Volcanos Produced by:   P. Mouginis-Mark, LPI

• Hawaiian Volcanoes
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Using a spectroradiometer, scientists were able to measure the radiative temperature and thermal output from the Kupaianaha Lava Lake. This instrument collects spectra from 0.4-3.0 micrometers in over 800 channels, thereby permitting an accurate determination of the blackbody temperature of the surface. Such studies are of value because they show that the surface of a lava lake (or a lava flow) is remarkably cool - perhaps only a few hundred degrees centigrade - compared to the eruptive temperature of approximately 1,150°C (2,102°F). Such temperatures are quite similar to those the Voyager 1 spacecraft measured for the volcanic activity on Io, suggesting that silicate lavas, as opposed to molten sulfer, could exist within lava lakes on Io.