Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again, Marking Its 31st Eruption Since December

Kilauea Volcano Eruption: Key Information from the Article

Here’s a summary of the key information about the Kilauea volcano eruption, as detailed in the provided article:

Current Activity: Kilauea volcano on Hawaii Island is currently erupting, featuring towering fountains of molten rock. Livestreams provided by the U.S. Geological Survey allow people to view the eruption.
Location: Kilauea is on Hawaii Island (the largest in the hawaiian archipelago), approximately 200 miles south of Honolulu on Oahu. The eruption is centered at Halemaumau Crater.
The Eruption Mechanism: Magma is rising from the earth’s interior into a lower magma chamber at a rate of 5 cubic yards (3.8 cubic meters) per second. This builds pressure, pushing magma upwards through narrow vents, resulting in the spectacular lava fountains. The process is similar to a shaken champagne bottle releasing its contents. Historical Precedent: This type of eruption – repeated episodes of lava fountains – has occurred only three other times in the past 200 years (1959,1969,and beginning in 1983). The 1983 eruption lasted three years with 44 fountain episodes, but was in a remote area.
Viewing the Eruption: The current eruption is more visible and accessible than previous episodes, thanks to the USGS livestreams and the location within Halemaumau Crater.Park Service volunteer Janice Wei provides photos and videos, describing the experience as “sitting in the front row at nature’s most extraordinary show.”
Fountain Height: The lava fountains have, at times, reached heights of over 1,000 feet (300 meters).
* Cultural Significance: Halemaumau Crater is considered sacred in Native Hawaiian tradition as the home of the volcano goddess pele.

What are the primary differences between Kilauea’s past eruptions in the Eastern Rift Zone and its more recent activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater?

Understanding Kilauea’s Recent Activity

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has erupted again.This marks the 31st eruption since December, continuing a pattern of frequent activity that has captivated scientists and the public alike. While not unexpected, each eruption provides valuable data for volcanologists studying Hawaiian volcanism and volcanic hazards.The current eruption is focused within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, at the summit of Kilauea.

A History of Long-Term Eruptions: since 1983

Kilauea isn’t known for explosive, catastrophic events. Instead, it’s famous for its long-term effusive eruptions – meaning a relatively steady outflow of lava. In fact, Kilauea has been in a near-continuous state of eruption since 1983.

Eastern Rift Zone Activity: The primary focus of this long-term activity has been the eastern rift zone, specifically the northeast flank of Pu’u O’o. this area has seen almost uninterrupted lava flow for decades.

Lava Reaching the Ocean: Historically, lava flows have extended to the Pacific Ocean, creating breathtaking displays as the molten rock meets the sea. This interaction produces laze – a volcanic haze created when lava heats seawater, releasing hydrochloric acid and steam.

halemaʻumaʻu Crater Eruptions: More recently, activity has shifted towards the summit caldera, with eruptions occurring within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. This is the current focus of the 31st eruption.

What Causes Kilauea to Erupt? – Hawaiian Hotspot Volcanism

Kilauea’s activity is a direct result of the Hawaiian hotspot. This geological feature is a plume of hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth.

1. Mantle Plume: The hotspot remains relatively stationary while the Pacific Plate moves over it.
2. Magma Generation: As the plate moves, the hotspot creates a chain of volcanoes, with Kilauea being the currently active one. The hotspot melts the overlying crust, generating magma.
3. Effusive Eruptions: The magma, being basaltic in composition, is relatively low in silica and gas content, leading to the characteristic effusive eruptions of Kilauea. This means lava flows are more common than explosive eruptions.

impacts of the Eruption: Monitoring and Hazards

The ongoing eruptions of Kilauea present both opportunities and challenges.

Volcanic Gas Emissions: A significant hazard is the release of volcanic gases, primarily sulfur dioxide (SO2). These gases can create vog (volcanic smog), impacting air quality and potentially causing respiratory problems.

Lava Flows: While current activity is contained within the crater, the potential for lava flows to extend beyond the caldera always exists. This poses a threat to infrastructure and communities.

Ground Deformation & Earthquakes: Eruptions are frequently enough accompanied by ground deformation and earthquakes, which are closely monitored by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO).

Monitoring Efforts: The HVO utilizes a network of seismometers, gas sensors, and deformation monitors to track Kilauea’s activity and provide timely warnings. Real-time data is crucial for assessing volcanic hazards.

Kilauea Eruptions: Notable Past Events

Understanding past eruptions helps predict future behavior. Here are a few key events:

1959-1960 Kilauea Iki Eruption: A dramatic eruption that created a new crater, Kilauea Iki, and provided valuable insights into lava fountain dynamics.

1983-2018 Pu’u O’o Eruption: A 35-year-long eruption that dramatically reshaped the landscape and provided a wealth of data on long-term volcanic processes.

2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption: A particularly destructive eruption that caused significant damage to communities in the Puna district, highlighting the potential for flank eruptions.This eruption also dramatically altered the summit caldera.

Staying Informed: Resources for Volcano Updates

Staying informed about Kilauea’s activity is crucial for residents and visitors. Here are some key resources:

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO): https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea – provides real-time monitoring data, eruption updates, and hazard assessments.

National Weather Service (NWS): Offers facts on vog and other weather-related hazards.

* Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency: