Lava flows erupted during episodes 50 and 51 built this impressive
shield against the west flank of Pu`u `O`o; subsequent flows from
vents on this side of Pu`u `O`o enlarged the shield even more. A lava
tube leading from the cones emptied into the pit visible about 30 m right of the cone; this pit is actually a perched pond that
formed a few days after episode 51 began.
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