New Eruption Activity Reported at Kīlauea Volcano
This evening, as the sun was beginning to set, activity at Kīlauea volcano in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park took a noticeable turn. Around 6 p.m., the lava flows that had been moving slowly transformed into more energetic fountaining, bringing a new wave of excitement for both the scientific community and curious onlookers.
Background on Eruption Timeline
The recent eruption at Kīlauea started on December 23. There was a break in the lava activity on Christmas Day, which had many people wondering about the volcano’s patterns. However, on Thursday morning, at about 8 a.m., observers noted a very weak release of lava. This small flow marked the beginning of the third phase of the ongoing summit eruption, according to a recent update from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Current Activity and Observations
Following the initial weak effusion, the volcano produced sluggish lava flows from its northern vents over the next day and a half. As of now, the fascinating fountaining is occurring in bursts shooting up between 30 and 45 feet from the two most northern vents. This elevated activity raises excitement as the fountaining could potentially increase even higher, especially if the eruptions continue to push out more gas-rich lava.
It is hard to predict the exact heights fountaining might reach or how long this intense activity may last. Previous similar episodes have resulted in fountains soaring over 200 feet high, and in some cases, these displays continued for up to 24 hours.
Ongoing Monitoring Efforts
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is keeping a close watch on Kīlauea and plans to share an update on the eruption tomorrow morning unless there are major changes overnight. They are in constant communication with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park officials as well as the local Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency to ensure that all developments are closely observed and reported.
Current Alerts and Visitor Information
The Kīlauea Volcano Alert Level remains at WATCH, and the Aviation Color Code is set to ORANGE. It’s crucial for those in the area to stay informed, as all activity is currently contained within the park’s boundaries. Fortunately, no changes have been detected in the nearby East Rift Zone or the Southwest Rift Zone at this time.
For anyone looking to visit or gather more information, the park’s official website offers an array of resources. The volcano’s activity can also be viewed live through an available livestream, which captures the mesmerizing changes occurring on the volcano’s summit.
Conclusion
As Kīlauea continues its display of natural power, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic environment in which we live. Citizens and visitors alike are encouraged to remain cautious yet curious about the ongoing activities at this iconic volcano. With the future of Kīlauea’s eruption unpredictable, one thing is clear: it remains a captivating subject for observation and study.
