Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii erupted with breathtaking intensity on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as lava fountains reached an astonishing 215 meters (700 feet) during the latest episode of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption. This spectacular display of volcanic power marked episode 16 of the eruption, which began at 22:24 UTC and escalated quickly. Just 16 minutes after the eruption began, lava fountains had already surged past 60 meters (200 feet), and by 22:50 UTC, they reached their peak height of 215 meters (700 feet).
As the lava fountains surged, the ground around the eruption site shifted significantly, tilting upward before it began to deflate as the fountains intensified. The fiery show continued: at 03:20 UTC on Tuesday, weak spattering from the north vent began to escalate, and by 04:00 UTC, lava fountains grew continuous, reaching heights of 5–10 meters (15–30 feet). By later in the day, around 18:30 UTC, small spatter fountains emerged at the south vent, signaling deeper activity. The volcano's activity remained confined within the boundaries of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with authorities maintaining an Aviation Color Code of Orange to warn of ongoing volcanic hazards.
Volcanic gases, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), continue to pour from the eruption, with levels reaching a staggering 50,000 tonnes per day. This could have lingering effects on air quality, especially downwind, as SO2 contributes to the creation of vog (volcanic smog), which can be harmful to respiratory health. Visitors and residents are urged to remain cautious, as weak winds could spread gases and debris, adding to the danger.
This recent outburst is part of a long string of volcanic activity at Kīlauea that began on December 23, 2024. Since then, lava fountains have become a regular feature of the eruption, with previous episodes lasting from 13 hours to eight days, interspersed with pauses ranging from less than 24 hours to 12 days. Despite the eruption's intensity, activity remains contained within the park area, reducing the risk to surrounding communities. However, hazards such as volcanic gases, Pele's hair (volcanic glass strands), and the risk of crater wall collapse continue to pose significant threats to anyone in the vicinity.
As the eruption continues, experts predict that lava fountains may even surpass 300 meters (1,000 feet) in the coming hours, mirroring the impressive displays from earlier episodes. For now, the volcano’s mesmerizing lava fountains and dramatic displays remind us of the powerful forces at work beneath the Earth’s surface.
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