Kilauea volcano in Hawaii County is currently erupting, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The eruption of Kilauea volcano started at 2 a.m. local time on Monday, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. As a result, the volcano alert system at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park was raised to the highest warning levels within a closed area.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge Ken Hon expressed his enthusiasm, stating that it is currently a highly stimulating period.
According to Hon, the lava is currently erupting at a rapid pace, which is typical for the early stages of an eruption. The lava flow has already engulfed a significant area of the previous lava lake that formed during the eruption in December 2020.
According to officials, webcam footage reveals a series of cracks bursting with lava fountains and supplying lava flows at the bottom of Halemaʻumaʻu in Kaluapele, the summit caldera.
According to Hon, the lava fountains reached their peak height of approximately 200 feet on Monday morning.
The National Parks Service is gearing up for a surge of online visitors on Monday morning, as thousands are expected to tune in to witness the live eruption.
Before a volcano erupts, there are several events that typically take place. First, there is often an increase in seismic activity, with the volcano becoming more active and producing small earthquakes. This is caused by the movement of magma beneath the surface, as it pushes its way towards the Earth’s crust.
As the magma rises, it can cause the ground to swell and deform, leading to changes in the shape of the volcano. This is known as volcanic inflation and can be measured using specialized instruments. Scientists closely monitor these changes to assess the likelihood of an eruption.
Another sign that a volcano is about to erupt is the release of gases. As magma rises to the surface, it can release various gases, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. These gases can be detected using gas monitoring stations located around the volcano. An increase in gas emissions can indicate that an eruption is imminent.
In addition to seismic activity and gas emissions, there may also be changes in the volcano’s surface temperature. The heat from the rising magma can cause the surrounding rocks to heat up, which can be detected using infrared cameras. An increase in surface temperature can suggest that an eruption is approaching.
Finally, there may be visible changes on the volcano itself. This can include the opening of new vents or fissures, the formation of a lava dome, or the emission of ash and steam. These signs can be observed by scientists and used to predict when an eruption will occur.
Overall, before a volcano erupts, there are several warning signs that scientists monitor, including seismic activity, gas emissions, changes in surface temperature, and visible changes on the volcano. By closely monitoring these indicators, scientists can better understand the behavior of volcanoes and provide early warnings to at-risk communities.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed that the Kilauea volcano, known for its high activity, is currently erupting. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the eruption commenced at 2 a.m. local time on Monday. As a result, the volcano alert system for Kilauea has been raised to the highest warning levels, specifically within a restricted area of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
The USGS has reported that the volcanic activity is currently limited to the summit caldera. However, the main concern is the high levels of volcanic gas, which primarily consist of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
Volcanic smog, a visible haze caused by this gas, can have extensive consequences downwind, according to officials. To prevent skin and eye irritation, residents and visitors are recommended to limit their exposure to volcanic ash and other particles emitted by the volcano.
The National Park Service (NPS) noted that the previous eruption, which started on September 15 in the middle East Rift Zone, resulted in a 4-acre lava coverage. After a short break, volcanic activity resumed at Nāpau Crater and continued for several days, ultimately covering an area of 156 acres. This event marked a notable change in volcanic activity at Kīlauea.
Kīlauea, located on the island of Hawaiʻi, is the youngest and most active volcano in the area, making it one of the most bustling volcanoes in the world. Since 1983, it has been experiencing continuous eruptions without any interruptions.
According to the NPS, throughout recorded history, Kīlauea has experienced only brief periods of rest. Within the past 1,000 years, it has witnessed lava flows that have engulfed nearly 90% of its surface. Some suggest that the name Kīlauea itself conveys the idea of “spewing” or “much spreading.”
A shield volcano, characterized by its gently sloping sides, made its debut around 280,000 years ago, rising from beneath the ocean’s surface. Its vast expanse spans an area slightly smaller than that of the island of Oʻahu.