Latest Kilauea eruption episode abruptly stops
COURTESY USGS
This U.S. Geological Survey web camera view this morning shows lava flowing during the seventh lava-fountaining episode of the on-again, off-again eruption that began on Dec. 23.
UPDATE: 1 p.m.
Kilauea’s latest eruption episode in Halemaumau crater has come to an abrupt halt, geologists said today.
The lava fountains that began Monday evening stopped by 10:47 a.m. today, marking the end of the seventh lava flow episode in the on-again, off-again summit eruption that started Dec. 23.
According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the eruption shut down quickly, with the southern vent stopping first at 10:43 a.m., followed by the northern vent four minutes later. Lava from this episode covered over half of the crater floor within the southern part of Kaluapele, the summit caldera.
Scientists observed significant deflation — about twice as much as during previous episodes — before the eruption ended. This was immediately followed by a shift back to inflation at the summit and a drop in seismic tremor intensity.
No unusual activity has been detected in the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone, and all recent eruptions remain confined within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. However, sceintists said, nearby communities should remain cautious of volcanic gas emissions and windblown Pele’s Hair.
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Kilauea is erupting again in Halemaumau crater.
The current eruption began at 6:41 p.m. Monday in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This is the seventh episode of the eruption within the summit caldera, Kaluapele, that began Dec. 23.
Fountain-fed lava flows from the north and south vents are erupting this morning onto the crater floor, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Lava fountains were reaching average heights of 130 to 150 feet at 7:40 a.m. today, HVO scientists said.
Earthquake counts remain low, with less than 10 small earthquakes beneath the summit and rift zones.
All eruptive activity is occurring within the park, and no unusual activity has been noted along the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone, according to HVO.
Current hazards include volcanic gas emissions and windblown volcanic glass (Pele’s Hair) that may impact the park and nearby communities.
