Kilauea Volcano Erupts With Lava Fountains, Emits Toxic‌ Gas

​ ⁢ Updated⁢ May 28, 2025

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano ⁢has ⁤recently displayed stunning activity,‌ marked by towering lava⁤ fountains not witnessed in ⁢decades. On Sunday, lava eruptions shot over 1,000 feet into the air. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the volcano ‍emitted approximately 75,000 metric tons of ⁢sulfur ⁤dioxide daily during this period, posing potential air quality concerns.

The current eruption, taking place in the Halema’uma’u crater, began in ⁤late‍ December 2024. While the dramatic ⁣lava displays have‍ paused,magma remains ‌close ​to the surface,and sulfur dioxide⁢ emissions continue. This recent activity marks the 23rd episode in the Halema’uma’u crater’s ongoing eruption cycle.

Since the eruption began, Kilauea has produced episodic lava fountains, with⁤ activity‌ lasting from a⁤ few hours to over a week. USGS representatives noted similarities between the current activity and the early⁣ stages of the Pu’u’ō’ō eruption, which began ‌in 1983 and lasted​ until 2018. The Pu’u’ō’ō eruption’s initial ‌years also featured high lava ⁢fountains.

⁣ “The current eruption has been⁢ characterized by episodic ‍fountaining​ not seen in any eruptions since⁤ the 1983-86 episodic ​fountains⁣ at the ​beginning of ​the Pu’u’ō’ō eruption,” USGS representatives wrote.

Kilauea, one of the​ world’s most⁣ active volcanoes, comprises about‍ 14% of Hawaii’s Big Island. The ‍Halema’uma’u crater, located at ‍the volcano’s summit, is traditionally‍ considered the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of ‍fire⁣ and volcanoes. The Halema’uma’u eruption occurs within a⁤ closed section⁢ of Hawaii ⁣Volcanoes National Park,but emitted gases can extend beyond⁢ park boundaries.

The USGS has identified high levels of volcanic gas, ‌including water vapor,⁢ carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, as the ⁣primary hazard. Sulfur dioxide⁣ can combine with atmospheric particles to create ⁤volcanic ⁤smog, or vog.​ According to the USGS, inhaling ⁣vog at high concentrations ‌can ⁢lead to respiratory issues and irritation of the eyes‍ and skin.

Additional hazards include strands of ⁤volcanic glass known as​ Pele’s hair. these⁣ hair-like threads form when gas bubbles burst within lava, stretching the lava’s surface into thin strands. The USGS ⁢warns that Pele’s hair, currently spread⁤ across the ‍Kilauea summit, can cause skin and eye irritation.

​ ⁣ “Residents and visitors⁤ should ⁣minimize exposure to Pele’s⁣ hair and other volcanic fragments, which can cause skin ⁢and eye⁢ irritation,”​ USGS representatives wrote.
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The USGS provides‌ live webcam views of the Kilauea summit,⁣ offering a glimpse into​ areas restricted to‍ the public⁣ due to safety concerns. These​ webcams capture ongoing ‍volcanic activity.

What’s next

Scientists continue to monitor Kilauea’s activity ‍closely, providing updates⁤ and warnings about potential hazards. Residents ⁣and visitors are ⁤advised to stay informed and ⁣take necessary precautions to minimize exposure to⁢ volcanic‍ gases and particles.