Lava fountains erupted from the summit of Kilauea Volcano on Thursday, Jan. 5, according to the USGS, and filled much of its 120-hectare crater with molten rock. The next morning, the intensity of this eruption was “decreasing rapidly”, according to the institute. “The fountains lost vigor overnight and remain about five meters high this morning“, explained the USGS in its latest report.
Several media and Internet users have shared the spectacular images of this volcanic eruption.
New footage shows latest eruption — Kilauea volcano began erupting again after a month break (video: NPS / Janice Wei) @KITV4 pic.twitter.com/2ooa9tl5Hz
— Tom George (@TheTomGeorge) January 6, 2023
Next to the largest volcano in the world
The eruption comes less than a month after Kilauea and its towering neighbour, Mauna Loa, so large it holds the title of largest volcano in the world, have returned to calm.
Mauna Loa, whose name means “long mountain” in Hawaiian, erupted in December for the first time in nearly 40 years. Spectacular, its fury had caused fountains of lava reaching 60 meters high and impressive flows of molten rock along its sides, without however endangering the dwellings of the island of Hawaii.
⋙ World’s largest active volcano erupts in Hawaii
Also located on the largest island of this Pacific archipelago, Kilauea is much more modest, but much more active. It erupted almost continuously between 1983 and 2019, and is a popular attraction for tourists who fly over it in helicopters. In 2018, its lava flows destroyed more than 700 homes.
Timelapse of #Kilauea‘s Caldera this afternoon, lava quickly covers the old lava lake in Halema’uma’u. #hawaii #KWcam pic.twitter.com/fVBkjdhX2c
— Dane duPont (@GeoGolfHawaii) January 6, 2023
The current eruption poses no danger to residents, according to the USGS. However, the institute warns against the volcanic gases released, particularly sulfur dioxide, irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract, which can affect inhabitants, crops and livestock.
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