Kilauea volcano's latest eruption episode, the 19th since late December, concluded early this morning. The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported nearly eight hours of sustained lava fountaining from a vent in Halemaumau crater.
"Episode 19" began at 9:28 p.m. Thursday and ended at 5:20 a.m. today. Lava fountains from the north vent reached estimated heights of 330 feet, producing nearly 4 million cubic yards of molten rock. The flow covered about half of the Halemaumau crater floor.
The main fountaining event was accompanied by about seven microradians of deflationary tilt, which shifted to inflation as lava retreated into the vent. Seismic tremors dropped off as the eruption subsided but remain weak, a typical pattern seen during eruptive pauses at the summit.
Volcanic gas emissions, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO₂), continue at high levels, creating vog (volcanic smog) that can affect air quality. Other hazards include Pele's hair -- fine, glass-like volcanic fibers generated by lava fountaining -- which can cause skin and eye irritation.
Kīlauea's summit region also remains prone to ground cracking, rockfalls and wall collapses around Halemaumau. Access restrictions to areas near the crater rim remain in place.