What: Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has been erupting and displaying explosive activity for more than two weeks. In one of the most recent eruptions, 1,100°C (2000°F) lava was seen gushing from multiple fissures, sending sulfur dioxide, methane gas and flames into the air.
On Thursday, journalists have the opportunity to view a live lava demonstration at the Syracuse University Lava project –a controlled lab where geologists and sculptors collaborate in experiments with lava to better understand the dynamics of flowing lava and how to interpret lava flows from the geologic record. Furnaces at the lab reach temperatures over 1200°C (2200°F).
Experts will be available to provide insight and answer questions about latest activity at Kilauea volcano and demonstrate how experiments conducted at SU Lava Project provide answers and unearth clues about real volcanic activity and lava flow.
When: Thursday, May 24, 2018
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Comstock Art Building,
1075 Comstock Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244
Visuals: View of molten lava inside large tilt furnace, real lava flow demonstration, materials involved in lava-making process
Videos and images of lava flow demonstrations can be found here.
Experts: Robert Wysocki, Asst. Professor, Studio Arts (Sculpture)
James Farrell, PhD Student, Earth Sciences
Christopher Sant, PhD Student, Earth Sciences
About the Syracuse University Lava Project:
The Syracuse University Lava Project is a collaboration between sculptor Robert Wysocki (Associate Professor, Department of Art) and geologist Jeff Karson (Professor, Department of Earth Sciences) at Syracuse University. The goals of the project include scientific experiments, artistic creations, education, and outreach to the Syracuse University and City communities. Basaltic lava, similar to that found on the seafloor and erupted from volcanoes in Hawaii and Iceland, is melted and poured to produce natural-scale lava flows. The project supports a wide variety of scientific experiments engaging faculty and students at SU and volcanologists from other institutions worldwide. The natural beauty and particular properties of the lava are the basis for sculpture projects. In addition, lava flow demonstrations are staged at the SU Comstock Art Building for classes, student groups, and the public. The SU Lava Project brings the spectacle and excitement of a volcanic eruption to Central New York.
For more information:
Daryl Lovell
315.380.0206
dalovell@syr.edu
Keith Kobland
315.415.8095
kkobland@syr.edu
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