Diamond Head Volcano Facts: Geography, Eruption, And More
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Diamond Head is a famous volcano located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii and is a popular tourist destination with rich Hawaiian history.
The Diamond crater was used as a military fort in the early 20th century and is now open to the public for hiking and exploration. The view from the top of the volcano is spectacular, and it has been used as a military fortification, a lighthouse, and a prison.
Diamond Head is a great place to see panoramic views of the capital city of Hawaii, Honolulu, and the surrounding area. If you're visiting Oahu, be sure to check out Diamond Head volcano, which has been featured in numerous movies and television. This article provides you with facts about the summit, including its geography, eruption, and more.
Geographical Facts About Diamond Head
The Diamond Head volcano, designated in 1968, is located in Hawaii on the island of Oahu (southern region). It is part of the volcanic series of the Koolau, which occurred in Honolulu island.
Originally the mountain where the eruption took place was named Leahi in Hawaiian. However, the mountain was named Diamond Hill in 1825 due to its sparkling volcanic calcite crystals, which were thought to be diamonds.
Diamond Head volcano formed 400,000-500,000 years old during Koolau Volcano's rejuvenation eruption. The volcano is about 762 ft (232 m) high and has a 3,520 ft (1,073 m) wide crater.
Geologists estimated that Diamond Head is not a volcano of its own; it's a creator of Koolau Volcano. Koko and Punchbowl craters were also formed during the same series of eruptions.
Damage Caused By The Last Eruption
Diamond Head volcano is an extinct shield volcano formed about 2.6 million years ago. The volcano crater size ranges from 200-6,500 ft (60-2000 m) and 30-650 ft (10 m-200 m) deep, commonly covered with water.
The eruption caused damage to the crater, as well as to the surrounding area. Lava flow and ash deposits covered about 0.5 sq mi (1.3 sq km).
This volcano happened by the rise of magma to the surface and exploded from inside the crater. The eruption caused ash, gas, and rock to be blasted into the air, causing the material to be fallen back to the ground, creating a deposit of rock fragments or particles.
Facts For Tourists
Diamond Head Volcano is a state monument that sits above the shores of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific Ocean; the federal government has extended accommodation for visitors near state monuments and tourist attractions. Here are a few facts to help you before visiting the crater.
In 1904, US Government bought Diamond Head for 3,300 dollars, and coast defenses were built in the '30s. Later, after the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, pillboxes and foxholes were built in the carter to defend Oahu better. Many of the facilities are still available in the crater and nearby island.
In 1986, the crater was declared a National Natural Landmark with viewpoints of coast Waikiki from the rocky hill that resides over the peak of Diamond Head. In addition, there are trail hikes available for 1.6 mi (2.6 km) that lead to the volcano's summit.
The trail is well-maintained, and there are several lookout points along the way. The entire hike trail for Diamond Head takes about two hours, and some guides will accompany you throughout the hike.
The parks near the crater close at 6 pm, and no one is allowed to enter the trail after 4.30 pm. There are water fountains near foot trails. It is a great place to visit with family and friends.
The crater has over 190 ha (475 ac) interior and outer slopes, with insights of panoramic views of the shore of Oahu and Waikiki. In addition, the US government has introduced various accommodation places; some are Honolulu resorts, hotels, and beaches available near the edge of the crater's rim.
Other famous spots near the hike trails are navigational lighthouses built-in 1918, adjacent to crater slopes. It goes by the name Diamond Head Lighthouse.
The Diamond Head was first featured in the 1963 romance drama film Diamond Head. And its first television appearance was through the 1975 game show, 'The Diamond Head Game' conducted nearby the crater area. Later the location became popular for conducting music concerts, especially during the '60s and '70s.
The first concert was conducted in 1969 as a one-day event known as Hawaiian Woodstock or Sunshine Festival. It is a celebration of music all day. However, due to the popularity of the day, the Sunshine Festival began as a two-day celebration in 1976 and 1977.
FAQs
Q: Why is the volcano called Diamond Head?
A: The volcano gets its name from the calcite crystals found on its slopes. These crystals gave the volcano a sparkly appearance, similar to a diamond. It has an elevation of 762 ft (232 m) above sea level.
Q: Did Diamond Head ever erupt?
A: Diamond Head volcano has been dormant for over 150,000 years and is believed to be monogenetic that erupts through old coral reefs and Koolau basalt. The rocks that are found at the volcano are basalt and andesite. So, geologists believe that it will never erupt again.
Q: What is Diamond Head famous for?
A: Answer: Diamond Head is most famous for its 2.5 million-year-old crater, hiking trails, and military lookout lighthouse.
Q: What type of volcano is Diamond Head?
A: Diamond Head is a tuff cone volcano that comprises fragmented rocks and ash deposited by volcanic eruptions.
Q: Is Diamond Head an active volcano?
A: Diamond Head is considered to be a dormant volcano. It means it is not currently erupting and has no potential eruption in the future.
Q: How did Diamond Head erupt?
A: The Diamond Head volcano likely erupted through its Koolau eruption series. It means that the magma rose to the surface and exploded from the crater. The eruption would have caused ash, gas, and rock to be blasted into the air. This material would have fallen back down to the ground, creating a tephra deposit.
Q: What is inside Diamond Head?
A: Diamond Head is not hollow. However, it has many tunnels and chambers created by previous eruptions. These tunnels and chambers are now used for storage, as well as for tours of the volcano. The Diamond Head volcano is cone-shaped and has steep slopes.
Q: How high is Diamond Head in Hawaii?
A: Diamond Head has an elevation of 762 ft (232 m) above sea level, and the age of the rock is believed to be approximately 200,000 years old.
Q: Where does the Diamond Head trail start?
A: Diamond Head trail starts at the crater. It is a moderate hike, with an elevation gain of 1.6 mi (2.6 km). The hike to the summit takes about two hours to complete; it is open from sunrise to sunset. There will be guides accompanying you throughout the trail.
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