HE Kilauea volcano stands as one of the youngest and most active in Hawaii, United States. It began erupting again last weekend, sending lava fountains soaring as high as fifteen meters. According to the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, the ongoing eruption persisted on Monday, September 11, with multiple small sources remaining active within a line of vents where lava reaches the surface. The activity was recorded along a stretch of about 1.4 kilometers, highlighting a persistent and evolving lava field that continues to shape the landscape around the summit area.
Although the peak height of lava fountains has receded from the initial surge, observations through Monday show fountains typically ranging from 10 to 15 meters. The volcanic plume carried substantial gas emissions, with preliminary sulfur dioxide (SO2) release rates estimated at 100,000 tons per day or more. Such gas flux is a common feature of ongoing effusive eruptions at Kilauea, contributing to observable atmospheric effects and air quality concerns in nearby communities and visitor areas. These details come from ongoing measurements and field observations conducted near the eruption site [Citation: Hawaii Volcano Observatory].
The eruption commenced at 15:18 Hawaii time (01:18 GMT) on Sunday, September 10, as captured by the summit webcam. The activity began within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, a focal point of eruptive behavior at the summit region, and marks the latest phase in Kilauea’s long history of volcanic activity. The broader location lies within the protective boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a landscape shaped by volcanic processes and protected for scientific study and public enjoyment.
Historically, Kilauea has demonstrated an episodic pattern of activity that spans centuries. Notably, its most destructive phase occurred in 2018, when a series of events unfolded over several months. During that period, a substantial number of homes were lost and thousands of residents and visitors faced displacement as lava flows reshaped neighborhoods and infrastructure. The 2018 events remain a critical reference point for researchers and emergency planners, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and readiness in volcanic regions. The current activity, while less catastrophic in terms of immediate structural loss, serves as a reminder of the persistent hazards associated with active shield volcanoes and the importance of staying informed through official channels [Citation: Hawaii Volcano Observatory].