Kilauea Volcano Eruption Shoots Lava Over 330 Feet High

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: AP

One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, has erupted again. On Wednesday, lava started coming out strongly from its north vent, continuing an eruption that began almost six months ago.

Lava fountains shot up more than 330 feet into the air. According to scientists from the US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, these fountains might get even taller. The lava is also creating multiple lava streams flowing across the crater floor.

The eruption was expected. On Tuesday, scientists noticed a process called gas-pistoning. This happens when gas builds up at the top of the lava inside the vent. This gas pressure pushes the lava surface upward like a piston in a machine. Then, the gas suddenly escapes with a burst, causing lava to splash out and then sink back down into the vent.

This rising and falling of lava happened about 10 times every hour on Tuesday. Slowly, these bursts became stronger, and by the next day, a small but steady dome fountain had formed. This fountain began feeding lava to the bottom of the crater.

This is now the 25th eruptive episode since Kilauea started erupting again on December 23rd. The volcano has been starting and stopping many times over the past few months, and scientists are closely watching its activity.

People are advised to stay safe and follow updates from local authorities and volcano experts.