Scientists Warn Volcano Might Unleash Tsunami
Quiet signs that a huge chunk of a Hawaiian mountain may fall into the sea--perhaps touching off a dangerous tsunami, or sea wave--were recently recorded by sensing instruments, scientists announced.
They monitored a deeply fractured zone on one flank of Kilauea, the southeasternmost volcano on the big island of Hawaii.
The slippage reportedly measured more than 2 inches per day during a period in November 2000.
If the cone breaks off and slides, it could touch off a tsunami that could endanger people in cities throughout the Pacific basin and kill thousands, scientists said, calling for close monitoring of the volcano.
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