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COURTESY USGS
Episode 41 of Kilauea’s lava fountaining began late this morning.
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COURTESY USGS
This screenshot from a U.S. Geological Survey webcam in Halemaumau crater today shows the start of Episode 41 of lava fountaining in Kilauea volcano’s ongoing eruption.
Episode 41 of lava fountaining in Kilauea’s Halemaumau crater began late this morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The fountaining began at 11:10 a.m. in the latest episode of the ongoing eruption which began Dec. 23, 2024, geologists said.
“Tephra fall has been reported in public viewing areas within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano Village, Mauna Loa Estates, and Ohia Estates. As of 12:10 p.m., both north and south vent fountains were over 1,640 feet tall,” according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists
They said winds are weak and from the south and may carry gas and solid material to the north.
As with the previous 40 episodes of fountaining, all eruptive activity is confined to Halemaumau crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
However, Hawaii County Civil Defense issued a statement warning that “elevated gas levels and tephra — fine glass particles that irritate the skin and eyes — and light winds may affect downwind communities near the eruption.”
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“Avoid the area if you have sensitivities or other respiratory conditions,” the warning says. “On roadways, beware of tephra, which may reduce visibility, and enhanced traffic congestion. Take necessary precautions to limit your exposure.”
The fountaining grew to over 1,000 feet within an hour of the episode starting late this morning, according to HVO.
Scientists said today’s episode “followed several days of low-level activity, starting with weak spattering from north vent the night Jan. 21–22, with the first overflows from north vent the night of Jan. 22. This morning at 3:52 a.m. north vent started continuously overflowing.”
