VC: @sherbundymusic
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, HI – Kīlauea volcano is putting on a fiery display as Episode 14 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption commenced on March 19th at 9:26 a.m. HST. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has the Volcano Alert Level set to WATCH and the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE, indicating heightened activity and potential hazards.
The eruption, located within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kaluapele (the summit caldera), is characterized by continuous lava effusion and impressive fountaining from both the north and south vents. After a series of seven small, short-lived lava flows in the early morning hours of March 19th, sustained fountaining began around 6:30 a.m. HST on March 20th at the south vent, followed shortly after by the north vent at 6:50 a.m. HST.
For nearly an hour, both cones erupted simultaneously with fountains reaching spectacular heights of 400-600 feet (120-180 meters), blanketing more than half of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor with lava. The north cone activity subsided around 7:46 a.m. HST, but the south cone continues to produce fountains reaching 500-700 feet (150-215 meters).
“Each episode of Halemaʻumaʻu lava fountaining since December 23, 2024, has continued for 13 hours to 8 days and episodes have been separated by pauses in eruptive activity lasting less than 24 hours to 12 days,” an official statement from the HVO reported.
Episode 14 follows a period of relative quiet after Episode 13 concluded on March 11th. Since the current eruption began on December 23, 2024, there have been 13 separate episodes of lava fountaining, separated by periods of inactivity. All eruptive activity remains contained within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, and no significant activity has been observed along Kīlauea’s East or Southwest Rift Zones.
Scientists are closely monitoring summit observations, noting the changing patterns of lava flow and fountaining intensity. Before the sustained eruptions, observers noted cyclic low dome fountains alternating with short drainback events in the north vent.
The eruption is also producing significant emissions. An SO2 emission rate of 1,200 tonnes per day was measured on March 18th, a typical rate for eruption pauses. However, during the current high fountaining, emissions are expected to be in the 20,000 to 50,000 tonnes per day range. The fountains are also producing tephra, including pumice and Pele’s hair, which can be carried long distances downwind.
Visitors to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are advised to heed all warnings and follow instructions from park officials. The dramatic lava displays offer a mesmerizing spectacle, but potential hazards related to volcanic activity must be taken seriously. The HVO continues to monitor Kīlauea closely and will provide updates as the eruption evolves.
