Hawaii's Kilauea volcano wows with lava fountains during latest eruptive episode
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Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano is nearing a baker’s dozen with its latest eruptive episode producing lava fountains in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

The Halemaʻumaʻu eruption’s episode 12 commenced on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. HST, as reported by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory of the US Geological Survey (USGS). During this episode, sporadic lava flows were observed, alternating between the south and north cones.

The episode ended at 10:37 a.m. HST on Wednesday.

This round of lava fountains is the 12th since Dec. 23, according to the USGS.

Each continues for about 14 hours before pauses between events that last between one and 12 days. 

In contrast to previous episodes that featured lava fountains soaring 600 feet high, the current activity is more gradual but nonetheless impressive, with fountains ranging between 30 and 165 feet in height.

However, the USGS said it expected the fountaining to grow.

Following a decrease in activity overnight at both the south and north vents, the USGS confirmed that the vents resumed erupting after a 12-hour period of inactivity around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

With the on-and-off lava fountains, Volcanoes National Park guests have been treated to amazing views from a safe distance.

However, National Park Service officials warn that volcanic activity can produce hazardous gases like sulfur dioxide.


Visitors were allowed to see the latest eruptive episode from a safe distance.
Visitors were allowed to see the latest eruptive episode from a safe distance. AP

The latest eruptive episode started on Tuesday and ended Wednesday morning.
The latest eruptive episode started on Tuesday and ended Wednesday morning. AP

These particles can be hazardous to those with heart or respiratory issues.

The park posts daily sulfur dioxide air quality alerts, which can be found here.

During the current eruptive activity, an Orange aviation alert is in place because minor volcanic-ash emissions could be in the airspace around the volcano.

Those unable to make the trip to Hawaii can still see the magnificent volcano in action through USGS web cameras, which currently show gas and lava spewing from the caldera. 

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