Kīlauea volcano erupts as experts warn lava flow in Hawaii could last decades
One of the world’s most active volcanoes has produced a fire show that some experts warn could mirror the famous 1983 eruption that lasted for over 35 years.
The Kīlauea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island burst its summit crater of Halemaʻumaʻu on Friday (local time), sending lava over 30 metres into the air.
Warnings came early in the morning as lava began to bubble to the surface before spitting out of the northern vent, before an afternoon explosion that marked the 31st eruption since December.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Kīlauea has been actively spewing lava on and off for years which have created massive lava valleys and a tourist hot spot for thousands of travellers witnessing the incredible show every year.
Some lava bursts have sent fountains over 300 metres into the air, and scientists believe recent activity may reflect changes in the vent structure, widening passages which have reduced the height but not the amount of lava expelled.
“Spattering within the north vent was visible overnight, along with several sluggish overflows,” said USGS Volcanoes on X.
“The summit region switched from inflationary deformation to deflation with the start of the fountaining.
“So far, eruptive activity has been localized to the north vent only during this episode. During episode 30, both the north and south vents erupted, as well as a new fissure in the south caldera wall.”
The recent activity remains safely contained within the crater, posing no threat to nearby communities.
Visitors to the island who trekked up to the viewing areas have described the roar as the lava explodes out of the crater as like hearing a jet plane.
“Every eruption feels like I am sitting in the front row at nature’s most extraordinary show,” said Hawaii Volcanoes National Park volunteer Janice Wei.
The Mirror reports that geologists have warned the eruption could evolve into a long-lasting lava flow at a lower elevation, that could mirror the the nearly 35-year eruption that began in 1983, or it may simply taper off at the summit.
One scientist said they rely on seismic and ground deformation sensors to anticipate shorter-term activity trends.
“Our job is like being a bunch of ants crawling on an elephant trying to figure out how the elephant works.”
