It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This Monday, Kilauea, located in the American archipelago of Hawaii, erupted, the American Institute of Geophysics (USGS) reported.
Images released by the authorities showed the appearance of cracks in the crater of the volcano, from which jets of lava emerged. The eruption began around 2:20 a.m. local time (12:20 GMT), the institute said.
“Molten material, including lava bombs, is ejected”
“At 4:30 a.m., lava fountains with a height of 80 meters were observed,” he added. “Molten material, including lava bombs, is being ejected” from the volcano’s caldera.
The eruption also sends material much higher into the atmosphere.
“The plume of volcanic gases and fine volcanic particles reaches altitudes of 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,800 to 2,400 meters) above sea level (…) and the winds transport it towards the southwest,” indicated the USGS.
Almost continuous eruption since 1983
“The eruption is occurring in a closed area” of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the institute said. According to him, the sulfur dioxide released by the volcano “will have a reaction in the atmosphere and create a visible mist called vog (volcanic smog)”. This volcanic haze can affect people, animals and crops.
According to the institute, the eruption stabilized around 6:30 a.m. local time, without threatening infrastructure. Kilauea has erupted almost continuously since 1983, most recently in September. It is one of Hawaii’s six active volcanoes, including Mauna Loa, the largest in the world.
Smaller than Mauna Loa, it is nevertheless more active and is a popular place for tourists for its spectacular lava eruptions.