HONOLULU (AP) — An active volcano in Hawaii has once again erupted, sending spectacular fountains of lava soaring hundreds of feet into the sky on Tuesday. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the fountains reached impressive heights between 400 feet (120 meters) and 500 feet (150 meters) in the early morning hours.
This current eruption marks the 13th episode of intermittent lava activity at Kilauea volcano on the Big Island since it began on December 23. The latest episode was short-lived as the fountaining abruptly ceased in the afternoon, as confirmed by scientists.
A live webcam captured the mesmerizing sight of bright-red molten rock fountains and billowing smoke in the midmorning, only for the activity to dwindle to smoke hours later on Tuesday. The observatory noted that on Monday afternoon, there were small spatter fountains sporadically reaching heights of 15 feet (5 meters) to 30 feet (10 meters). The spattering intensified through the night and into early Tuesday, as detailed in the latest status report.
Fortunately, no residential areas are under threat from the eruption, drawing crowds of spectators to witness the fiery display at the park. Each fountaining episode has showcased varying heights, with some reaching up to 600 feet (180 meters). The duration of each fountaining event has ranged from several hours to days, separated by pauses ranging from less than 24 hours to 12 days, according to the observatory.
