The Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii, the most active volcano on the island, has erupted again. It spewed molten rock 9 meters into the air and released volcanic gas and ash across the island. This is the first eruption since lava activity ceased in December last year.
Kīlauea is not only the most active volcano on the island, but it is also one of the most active in the world. It was formed over 200,000 years ago and reached sea level about 100,000 years ago. Since then, it has frequently erupted, even destroying a lake and several homes in recent years.
Officials are concerned about the high levels of volcanic gas, as it can have significant effects downwind. On the morning of June 7, sulphur dioxide emissions were measured at around 65,000 tonnes per day, and residents of Pāhala, located 30 kilometers downwind from Kīlauea’s summit, reported a light dusting of fine ash.
However, according to Jessica Ferracane, a spokesperson for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there is currently no immediate risk to residents from lava flows. The eruption is contained within the summit caldera, so there is plenty of room for more lava to be produced without threatening homes or infrastructure.
Increased seismic activity was detected on the volcano on Tuesday, and the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed a glow in webcam images of the volcano on June 7, indicating that lava had breached the surface. Staff confirmed that an eruption had begun in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater of the volcano.
The US Geological Survey stated that there are currently multiple “minor fountains” of lava active, with molten rock reaching heights of up to 9 meters. The level of the 1.5-square-kilometer crater has also increased by 10 meters since the eruption. The US Geological Survey has issued a “red” warning to aviation due to significant emission of volcanic ash, which can pose a risk to jet engines.
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