Watch: Lava Jets Shoot 1,000 Feet from Hawaii’s Kīlauea Volcano

Kīlauea, known as one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has erupted once again.

Massive Lava Jet Reaches 1,000 Feet

Since the end of last year, its crater has been intermittently shooting lava fountains, and on May 25, a jet of molten rock soared an impressive 300 meters (1,000 feet) into the air.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) livestreamed the dramatic event — the volcano’s 23rd eruption since December 2024, and the largest so far.

This latest eruption lasted just over six hours. Starting at 4:15 p.m. Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time, thin jets of lava began emerging from the northern vent, quickly transitioning from sporadic bursts to continuous lava fountains.

Lava Fountains Reach Impressive Heights

Within half an hour, activity at the northern vent intensified significantly, with one lava fountain reaching its peak height of 300 meters.

Shortly after, at the southern vent, other lava jets reached up to 250 meters.

“Large lava flows erupted from both vents and covered about half of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor,” reported the USGS.

By 10:25 p.m., both vents had calmed.

Fortunately, all activity has so far remained confined within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. However, that doesn’t mean nearby communities are completely safe.

The eruptive plume of ash, volcanic glass, and rock released by Kīlauea on May 25 rose at least 1,500 meters into the air.

Volcanic Gas Poses Ongoing Health Risks

USGS scientists warn that the main concern is volcanic gas, which can travel with the wind and potentially impact public health, especially by causing respiratory issues if concentrations in the air are high.

Additionally, eruptions like this can produce thin strands of volcanic glass known as Pele’s hair, which are also windborne and may irritate the skin and eyes.

Although the volcano has quieted down for now, it has been showing signs of unrest roughly every week in its current phase.

There are no signs pointing to a major eruption, but more lava activity is likely on the horizon.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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