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Hawaii's Kilauea volcano forms smiley face

By Ryan W. Miller
Updated
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano

Hawaii's Kilauea volcanoCredit: Paradise Helicopters

It takes more muscles to frown than to smile, but it took a volcanic eruption to see nature's grin.

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, one of the world's most active, recently formed a smiley face in its over 25-metre deep crater during an ongoing eruption.

Mick Kalber of Paradise Helicopters captured the breakthtaking scene.

The collapse of solidified lava and sea cliff from Kilauea Volcano in 2005.

The collapse of solidified lava and sea cliff from Kilauea Volcano in 2005.Credit: AP

The current lava flow began May 24 and reached the Pacific Ocean for the first time since 2013 on July 26 after travelling over 10 kilometres. According to the United States Geological Survey, Kilauea has been continuously erupting since 1983.

Hikers are able to get up close and personal to the lava flow, but the USGS advises they bring plenty of water and prepare for extreme heat.

MCT

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/world/hawaiis-kilauea-volcano-forms-smiley-face-20160802-gqiqsu.html