Lava fountains as high as 330 feet illuminated the night sky at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii as it entered another phase of eruption.
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, recently erupting since December 23rd, has advanced to its fourth eruptive episode, showcasing spectacular volcanic activity, Interesting Engineering reported.
Since the latest eruption began, Kilauea has persistently exhibited volcanic activity at the Kaluapele summit caldera within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirms that the national park's boundaries contain all eruptive activities, ensuring safety for nearby residential areas.
Although the eruptions do not imminently threaten surrounding communities, they still present hazards. The eruption emits significant volcanic gases and produces Pele's hair, delicate strands of volcanic glass named after the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory emphasized the reduced risks because the eruption remains confined to the park. "The eruption remains confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, posing no immediate threat to nearby communities or properties," the Observatory stated.
Observers at the site recorded dramatic scenes earlier in the week as lava fountains shot up to 330 feet. Although the fountains have decreased in height, they now surge consistently between 140 and 160 feet, feeding lava flows that remain confined to the southwest floor of the crater near the active vents.
The area frequently experiences eruptive activity, with Kilauea ranking as one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Since 1983, it has erupted continuously, with at least six summit eruptions occurring since 2020.
The eruption, while visually striking, has raised several environmental concerns. It emits significant levels of sulfur dioxide, which combine with other atmospheric gases to create volcanic smog, known locally as vog. This vog poses health risks, particularly for individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions.
The USGS detailed the ongoing hazards associated with the eruption. "Ongoing hazards...include sulfur dioxide gas, which reacts with the atmosphere to form vog (volcanic smog)...prolonged exposure to vog can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs, especially for those with preexisting respiratory conditions," they reported.
Pele's hair, another hazard of the eruption, can cause injuries upon contact with skin or eyes. These unique strands form from gas bubbles bursting through the surface of molten lava, cooling rapidly into glass fibers that are carried by the wind.
Visitors and locals are warned of additional dangers such as unstable terrain, concealed lava tubes, and potential rockfalls within and around the eruptive site, particularly in areas near active vents where ground conditions are most volatile.
The Halema'uma'u crater region, right at the epicenter of the current activity, has been closed to the public since late 2007 due to ongoing safety concerns. These restrictions ensure the safety of park visitors and residents alike from unforeseen eruptive developments.
The duration of Kilauea's explosive behavior remains uncertain. Previous eruptive episodes have demonstrated that these events can vary significantly, lasting from as brief as a week to extending over a year. Such unpredictability poses ongoing challenges for both scientists and those living near the volcano.
In 2018, a severe phase of eruptive activity from Kilauea led to the destruction of hundreds of buildings and the evacuation of thousands of residents, underlining the powerful impact of this volcano on Hawaii's landscape and its people. Today, while the volcano continues to reshape the island dramatically, those in affected areas remain vigilant, respecting the power and unpredictability of nature's creation and destruction cycle.
