On December 23, 2024, Kīlauea volcano erupted after three months of dormancy, producing impressive lava fountains that reached up to 80 meters high. This event, the sixth eruption within the summit caldera since 2020, occurred in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater and was extensively documented through ground and satellite observations. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the eruption began at 2:20 a.m. local time, with lava covering over 650 acres of the crater floor by the morning. Satellite images captured the new lava’s infrared signature, highlighting the eruption’s intensity.
While visually spectacular, the release of volcanic gases, particularly sulfur dioxide, raised environmental concerns. These gases can lead to vog, a harmful haze that affects air quality well beyond the immediate vicinity of the volcano. Kīlauea, Hawaii’s youngest and most active volcano, has recently exhibited significant volcanic activity, including eruptions in September 2024. The eruption dynamics often involve vigorous lava flows and gas emissions that can persist for varying durations, drawing attention to the ongoing geological processes at this iconic site. By December 30, the intensity of the lava flow had subdued, indicating a shift in eruptive activity.
