Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, begins erupting after 3-month pause

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Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, has resumed its eruption after a three-month pause. The volcanic activity, which started on Wednesday, showcases captivating and luminous fountains of lava within the Halemaumau crater in the summit caldera. The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory detected the eruption through webcam images displaying fissures and lava flows on the crater floor. Prior to the eruption notice, increased seismic activity and changes in ground deformation patterns indicated the movement of magma beneath the surface.

Fortunately, the eruption is occurring within a closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, posing no immediate threat to communities, homes, or infrastructure. Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane emphasized that the eruption is confined to the summit caldera and provides ample opportunity for visitors to witness the spectacle safely from designated overlooks. The lava lake, covering the crater floor and remnants of previous eruptions, spans approximately 371 acres (150 hectares) and measures around 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) wide.

Word of the eruption has spread, leading to an influx of visitors to the park. Parking lots are filling up, and long lines are expected at the park’s entrance. To avoid crowds, Ferracane suggests visiting between 9 p.m. and sunrise when the park is less crowded. Visitors are advised to adhere to safety guidelines, including staying out of closed areas, following marked trails, and avoiding gases emitted by the eruption.

Residents residing downwind of Kilauea’s summit reported minimal ashfall and the presence of “Pele’s hair,” glass particles formed during volcanic eruptions. The eruption’s intensity has fluctuated, with initial fountain heights estimated to be 150 feet (46 meters) and later decreasing to 13 to 30 feet (4 to 9 meters). Live streams from the U.S. Geological Survey show the vivid bursts of red lava.

As a precaution, the volcano’s alert level has been raised to a warning status, and the aviation color code has been set to red while scientists assess the eruption and associated hazards. This recent eruption of Kilauea closely resembles previous eruptions that occurred since 2020, according to geologist Mike Zoeller from the observatory.

In 2018, a significant Kilauea eruption resulted in the destruction of over 700 homes. Prior to that event, the volcano had been erupting since 1983, occasionally affecting farms and residences. During this extended period of activity, the lava even reached the ocean, leading to dramatic interactions with the water.

(Note: The original article was attributed to Thiessen reporting from Anchorage, Alaska, but this detail has been omitted in the rewrite.)

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More about volcanic eruption

• Kilauea Volcano – USGS
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Kilauea Volcano Eruption Updates – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
• Kilauea Volcano – Wikipedia