Hawaii’s most lively volcano, Kilauea’s newest eruption, which started on March 19, has formally ended after 28 hours, with lava fountains reaching as much as 700 toes, based on the US Geological Survey’s (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO).
Lava covers 75% of Halemaʻumaʻu crater ground
The eruption, referred to as Episode 14 of the continued Halemaʻumaʻu exercise, concluded at 1:49 p.m. HST on March 20 when the ultimate lava fountains on the south vent ceased. The north vent had stopped flowing 11 minutes earlier.
Throughout this episode, lava flows lined roughly 75% of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater ground inside Kilauea’s summit caldera.
No risk to communities, however hazards persist
The eruption remained confined inside Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park, posing no rapid risk to close by communities. Nonetheless, volcanic gases, together with sulfur dioxide (SO₂), proceed to pose dangers by forming vog (volcanic smog) downwind.
Moreover, Pele’s hair—wonderful strands of volcanic glass—might be carried by robust winds, creating potential well being hazards for residents and guests. The USGS warns that publicity to those glass-like particles may cause pores and skin and eye irritation.
Different risks embrace unstable crater partitions, floor cracking, and the chance of rockfalls, particularly in closed-off areas across the caldera rim. These areas have been off-limits to the general public since 2007 on account of security considerations.
Kilauea’s current eruption historical past
This was the 14th recorded eruption episode since December 23, 2024. Earlier episodes have diversified in length, lasting anyplace from 13 hours to eight days, with pauses starting from lower than 24 hours to 12 days.
Kilauea stays one of many world’s most lively volcanoes, with steady summit eruptions recorded since 2020. Hawai’i Volcanoes Nationwide Park, residence to each Kilauea and Mauna Loa, stays open to guests, providing a singular alternative to witness volcanic exercise in a managed surroundings.
