logo
Small, short-lived lava flows kickstart Kīlauea's 14th episode

Small, short-lived lava flows kickstart Kīlauea's 14th episode

Yahoo20-03-2025

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Kīlauea gave early signs of erupting once again in the early hours of Wednesday, March 19. Shortly before 9:30 a.m., it began its 14th episode.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park saw first signs of activity at around midnight when seven small, short-lived lava flows erupted until 6 a.m.
Episode 13 of Kilauea's eruption has started
Lava began spewing out of the south vent around 9:50 a.m.
'Low dome fountaining is intermittently present as gas-rich magma starts to mix with the degassed magma,' said HVO in a report.
Kīlauea has been erupting in phases since Dec. 23 with each episode lasting between 13 hours to eight days and separated by pauses lasting less than 24 hours to 12 days.Experts said the latest episode is optimal for visitors.
'It could go on for a while. That would be fun. It's a good spot to have it because it's not particularly dangerous for anybody. Most of the effects are either gases coming out or any of the byproducts are generally in places that are not very populated,' said Steve Lundblad, UH Hilo geology professor.
Officials added that vog and Pele's hair is expected to increase as this episode continues.
HVO said all eruptive activity remains within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
'No significant activity has been noted along Kīlauea's East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Visitor from Boston falls off cliff near Kīlauea
Visitor from Boston falls off cliff near Kīlauea

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Visitor from Boston falls off cliff near Kīlauea

HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2) — A visitor at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was rescued by first responders after falling 30 feet off of a cliff when they ventured off the Byron Ledge Trail on the night of June 11. The visitor, a 30-year-old man from Boston, sustained minor facial injuries. National Park Service officials said the man wanted to get a closer look at the Kīlauea eruption, got too close to the cliff's edge and fell at around 9 p.m. Officials said he did not have a flashlight or headlamp. Pele continues to dazzle with eight hour volcanic episode Search and rescue teams were already in the area, as they were managing traffic, responded quickly and were able to perform a high-angle rescue, hoisting the man to safety. Thankfully, a tree had broken the visitor's fall and saved him from falling an additional hundred feet, which could have been to the NPS, there are multiple ways to stay safe at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, as well as parks across the country. The service said to: Stay on marked trails and overlooks. Avoid earth cracks and cliff edges. They are often unstable or hidden. Do not climb over rock walls, railings or safety barriers. Keep an eye on your entire party, especially keiki. Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp at night, along with sturdy footwear. Kīlauea has been erupting since December 2024; and while the stunning volcanic performance is a must-see, park officials remind the public that there are many hazards that come with the beauty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Steam from the Caldera: Nature's Breath from the Earth's Core
Steam from the Caldera: Nature's Breath from the Earth's Core

Time Business News

timea day ago

  • Time Business News

Steam from the Caldera: Nature's Breath from the Earth's Core

High atop the ragged cliffs of volcanic islands or nestled deep within the earth's crust, the mysterious sight of steam rising from a caldera captivates geologists, adventurers, and travelers alike. A Caldera de vapor vast crater formed after a volcanic eruption, is a geological wonder, and when it breathes steam, it becomes a living, breathing reminder of Earth's fiery core. The sight is both eerie and beautiful—billowing white clouds curling upward into the sky, carrying with them heat, minerals, and stories of the planet's restless energy. A caldera is not merely a crater; it's a dramatic geological formation that results when a volcano erupts so violently that the emptied magma chamber collapses inward. This process creates a vast depression—sometimes several kilometers across. Famous examples include the Yellowstone Caldera in the United States and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. While some calderas are now dormant or filled with water, others remain active, with geothermal vents constantly releasing steam and gases—a phenomenon that signals the lingering heat beneath. The steam that rises from a caldera is not just water vapor—it's a blend of moisture, volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and sometimes even trace elements of metal. This steam forms when underground water sources come into contact with residual magma or hot rocks in the volcanic system. The intense heat turns water into steam, which finds its way to the surface through cracks and fumaroles (volcanic gas vents). These emissions are carefully monitored by volcanologists, as changes in gas composition or steam activity can indicate potential volcanic eruptions. Wherever there's steam rising from a caldera, humans are not far behind. The geothermal activity within these regions often becomes a source of fascination, tourism, and even renewable energy. Iceland, a country that sits atop a volcanic hotspot, uses steam from volcanic areas to generate geothermal electricity and heat homes. Tourists flock to places like Rotorua in New Zealand or the Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka, Russia, to witness steam vents, mud pools, and hot springs—all born from caldera activity. These areas serve as open-air laboratories, offering insights into Earth's dynamic systems. Standing at the edge of a steaming caldera often feels like stepping onto another planet. The sulfurous smell hangs in the air, the ground vibrates faintly beneath your feet, and the sight of endless plumes of vapor creates an atmosphere of awe and respect. Colors shift strangely—yellows, reds, and stark whites stain the earth where minerals precipitate out of the steam. In places like the Kawah Ijen crater in Indonesia, the steam glows blue at night due to burning sulfur gases, creating a surreal and haunting landscape. Cultures around the world have long considered steaming calderas sacred or cursed. In ancient Hawaii, the Kīlauea Caldera was believed to be the home of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes. The Maori of New Zealand view geothermal sites with deep spiritual reverence. To these cultures, the steam is more than a natural occurrence—it's a message from the gods or a symbol of nature's power and balance. These beliefs are preserved in local stories, rituals, and even place names, adding a rich cultural layer to the natural spectacle. While beautiful and mesmerizing, steam from a caldera also signals danger. Volcanic steam can be superheated and contain harmful gases that pose risks to humans and wildlife. In rare cases, sudden steam explosions—caused by water rapidly flashing into steam—can be deadly. Hikers and scientists are always warned to tread carefully in such regions. Monitoring equipment is constantly in place to track temperature changes, seismic activity, and gas emissions to predict any sudden shifts. The steam, while enchanting, is a silent warning of potential turmoil beneath. Steam-emitting calderas create unique microenvironments that influence local ecosystems. The heated soil and water foster the growth of rare thermophilic (heat-loving) bacteria and plants that cannot survive elsewhere. These niches are biologically rich and of immense scientific interest. However, human encroachment, pollution, and over-tourism can disturb these fragile de vapor efforts are vital to ensure these volcanic wonders and their unique ecosystems are preserved for future generations. At its core, a steaming caldera is a symbol of Earth's raw, uncontainable energy. It represents the dynamic nature of our planet—always changing, always adapting. Though eruptions and steam vents might seem destructive, they are also part of the Earth's process of renewal and transformation. These geological features remind us that beneath the surface lies a vast, molten world that shapes continents, fuels evolution, and inspires both fear and wonder. Whether viewed from a helicopter, hiked up close, or studied in a lab, the steam from the caldera tells a timeless story—one of destruction, rebirth, and the eternal rhythm of the Earth itself. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Pele continues to dazzle with eight hour volcanic episode
Pele continues to dazzle with eight hour volcanic episode

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

Pele continues to dazzle with eight hour volcanic episode

VOLCANO, Hawaii (KHON2) — The 25th episode of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at Kīlauea ended after about eight hours of continuous fountaining on June 11. The eruptive activity was first detected shortly before noon at the north vent, with the activity stopping at approximately 7:36 p.m. The south vent saw an eruption that began at around 1:30 p.m., and stopped shortly after 8 p.m. Kilauea Ep. 23: Pele shoots lava fountains over 1,000 feet North vent fountains reached over 1,000 feet in the air during the episode. The initial eruption began on Dec. 23, 2024 with episodes typically lasting around a day or less with several days in between. For a timeline of eruptive episodes, visit the USGS website. To watch Madam Pele in all her glory, watch the Kīlauea livestream on YouTube. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store