HONOLULU — Kilauea Volcano, one of the globe’s most active volcanoes, continued its spectacular eruption on Tuesday, marking a second consecutive day of lava fountaining.
The volcanic activity has been contained within the summit caldera of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, posing no threat to nearby homes.
Lava began erupting shortly before dawn on Monday as fissures opened in the caldera floor, launching molten rock up to 295 feet (90 meters) into the air. This dramatic display formed towering fountains and spread across 650 acres (263 hectares). The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the lava depth was approximately 1 yard (1 meter) thick.
Scientists anticipate that the volcanic activity may fluctuate over the next few days. The lava flow briefly paused Monday afternoon but reactivated Tuesday morning with renewed fountain activity.
The eruption is taking place in an area that has been off-limits to the public since 2007 due to safety concerns related to crater wall instability and rockfalls. However, park visitors can safely observe the lava from designated overlook areas.
This recent eruption marks the sixth event occurring in Kilauea’s summit caldera since 2020. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park features the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa, with Kilauea having previously erupted in June and September of this year.
