Kīlauea Volcano: Sunday, July 20th Update

Kīlauea Eruption Intensifies: “Episode 29” Features High Lava Fountains, No Airport Impact

Hawaii Volcano observatory reports new phase of Halemaʻumaʻu eruption, with lava spattering and significant fountain activity underway.

Hawaii, HI – July 20, 2025 – The ongoing eruption at Kīlauea’s summit has entered a new phase, designated “Episode 29,” characterized by vigorous lava fountaining from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO) confirmed the commencement of this activity around 5:15 a.m. HST this morning, with lava fountains from the north vent rapidly escalating.

Initially observed as low dome fountains less than 100 feet high, the activity quickly evolved into vertical fountains exceeding 200 feet. This surge in fountaining was accompanied by characteristic summit deflationary tilt and a noticeable increase in seismic tremor, according to the HVO’s latest notice posted at 5:29 a.m. HST.

past episodes of this nature have seen lava fountains soar over 1,000 feet and eruptive plumes reach heights of 20,000 feet above ground level. Similar dramatic displays are anticipated within the coming hours.

The eruption began with preliminary north vent lava spattering around 3:55 a.m. HST,followed by dome fountains and lava overflows commencing at approximately 4:11 a.m. By 5:25 a.m. HST, fountains from the north vent where reported to be reaching heights of 330 feet, feeding multiple lava streams.

This intensified activity follows a period of inflationary tilt,which had reached over 17.5 microradians since the conclusion of “Episode 28.” Notably, the tilt at the UWE (Uwekahuna) station transitioned from inflationary to deflationary around 4:24 a.m. HST, preceding the sustained high lava fountains and the corresponding sharp increases in tremor and deflation.

Evergreen Insights:

The dynamic nature of Kīlauea’s summit eruption provides a compelling case study in volcanology. the cyclical nature of inflationary and deflationary periods,coupled with the onset of seismic tremor and lava fountaining,are key indicators of magma movement and pressure release within the volcanic system.Understanding these patterns is crucial for monitoring volcanic activity and issuing timely advisories to the public.

The current eruption, as part of a broader pattern of activity as December 23, 2024, typically features episodes that last around a day or less, frequently enough interspersed with pauses of several days. This variability highlights the unpredictable yet observable rhythms of active volcanoes.

Importantly,the HVO has confirmed that commercial airports in both Hilo and Kona will not be directly affected by this current eruptive activity,ensuring continued accessibility for visitors and residents. The National Weather Service forecasts winds blowing from the north to northeast today, July 20, indicating that volcanic gas emissions and material may be dispersed to the south and southwest.

This ongoing eruption serves as a powerful reminder of the Earth’s geological forces and the importance of scientific observation and interaction in understanding and responding to natural phenomena.

What instruments are used to detect earthquakes and magma movement at Kīlauea?

Current Activity & Recent Eruptions

As of July 20th, 2025, Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii continues its ongoing eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. This phase of activity, which began in 2023, is characterized by persistent lava effusion and frequent volcanic gas emissions. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is closely monitoring the situation, providing regular updates on lava lake levels, gas concentrations, and potential hazards.

Recent observations indicate:

Lava Lake Activity: The lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater remains active, with fluctuating levels.Current estimates place the lake surface at [Insert current lake level if available – or else state: levels are dynamic and subject to change].

Gas emissions: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions remain elevated. Downwind air quality might potentially be affected, notably for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.Residents in nearby communities should stay informed about air quality alerts.

Seismic Activity: Seismic activity associated with the eruption remains relatively stable, though minor fluctuations are common. These tremors are primarily localized beneath Kīlauea’s summit.

Fountaining: Intermittent, short-lived fountaining events have been observed from the lava lake, contributing to spatter and ash deposits within the crater.

Understanding Kīlauea’s Eruptive history

Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and its eruptive history is extensive. The current eruption is notable for its duration,with nearly continuous activity as 1983,making it one of the longest-lived eruptions in recorded history. https://de.geologyscience.com/Geologiezweige/vulkanologie/Vulkan-Kilauea%2C-Hawaii%2C-USA/

Key periods in Kīlauea’s recent history include:

1. Pre-1983: Frequent, smaller-scale eruptions primarily focused on the summit caldera and rift zones.
2. 1983-2018 (Puʻu ʻŌʻō Eruption): A long-lived fissure eruption that built the Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone and dramatically altered the landscape of the East Rift Zone.
3. 2018 (Lower East Rift Zone Eruption): A critically important eruption that caused widespread lava flows in residential areas, resulting in significant property damage and displacement.This event highlighted the potential for flank eruptions.
4. 2023-Present (Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Eruption): The current eruption, confined to the summit caldera, offering a different style of activity compared to previous events.

Hazards Associated with Kīlauea

While the current eruption is largely contained within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, several hazards remain:

Volcanic Gas: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and other volcanic gases can create vog (volcanic smog), impacting air quality and posing health risks.

Ashfall: fountaining events can generate ashfall, which can irritate eyes and respiratory systems.

Lava Spatter: Spatter ejected from the lava lake can travel short distances, posing a hazard to anyone near the crater rim.

Ground Deformation: Ongoing volcanic activity can cause ground deformation, potentially impacting infrastructure.

Future Eruptions: The possibility of future flank eruptions or changes in eruptive behavior cannot be ruled out.

Monitoring Efforts & Resources

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) utilizes a extensive network of monitoring tools to track Kīlauea’s activity:

Seismometers: Detect earthquakes and tremors associated with magma movement.

Gas Sensors: Measure the concentration of volcanic gases, such as SO₂.

Tiltmeters: Monitor ground deformation.

Thermal Cameras: Track lava flow temperatures and patterns.

Visual Observations: HVO scientists conduct regular field observations to assess the eruption’s progress.

Key Resources for Updates:

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO): https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea

National Park Service – Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

* Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency: [https://wwwhawaiicountygov/departments/[https://wwwhawaiicountygov/departments/