If Kilauea's lava lake falls below the water table, the results could be explosive

[rangerrebew]

If Kilauea's lava lake falls below the water table, the results could be explosive

Here’s how that steam-powered boom could happen.
By Mary Beth Griggs Yesterday at 3:30pm


U.S. Geological Survey

The Big Island of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has a lot going on.

Down one of its sides (or flanks), plumes of gas steam out of cracks, known as fissures, directly under Leilani Estates, an orderly residential area. Houses, cars, and beloved mailboxes have quickly become engulfed in cooling lava flows as the ground trembles with seismic activity. Residents evacuated their homes, fleeing with pets and belongings in tow to nearby shelters. A geothermal plant in the area hastily removed stocks of flammable material as the heat of the earth crept closer to their facility than comfort allowed.

https://www.popsci.com/kilaueas-lava-lake-falling-explosion

[Fishrrman]

Stupid questions:

If the hot lava is currently -above- the water table, wouldn't it be in contact with said water table right now?

Why does it have to drop below the water table first, for this to happen?

[dfwgator]

You better lava me now or lava me not.