See it: Gushing lava fountains from Mount Kilauea Volcano amid 44th eruption
As the crater continues to shoot lava, strengthening over time, the risk of tephra falling from volcanic ash clouds and Pele’s Hair increases.
Gushing lava from the 44th eruption of the Mount Kīlauea volcano
Lava shoots out of the Mount Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii for the 44th time.
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, Hawaii – The Mount Kīlauea Volcano has once again started to erupt for the 44th time, producing large lava fountains in Hawaii on Thursday.
The 44th episode of Mount Kīlauea began in the late morning on Thursday in Hawaii as lava began to flow steadily.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), ground-level sensors near eruptive vents indicate that winds are blowing from the south of the summit. This suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material could be spread to the north summit.
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Video footage from the USGS shows the south Halemaʻumaʻu crater gushing large lava fountains from the ground.
The 44th eruption of Mount Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii.
As the crater continues to shoot lava, strengthening over time, the risk of tephra falling from volcanic ash clouds and Pele’s Hair increases.
As a result, officials from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Service (NPS) have closed the park entrance due to hazardous volcanic material associated with the eruption.
The 44th episode of the Mount Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii.
(USGS / YouTube)
Pele’s Hair is thin glass fibers formed by gas during a volcanic eruption, according to the USGS. When gas bubbles near the surface of lava burst, they can stretch the skin of the molten lava into long threads.
These can become airborne and be carried by the wind, posing a threat to humans, as a tiny piece of glass can get lodged in your skin or eyes.
Watch: Tephra buries communities during Hawaii's Kīlauea Volcano eruption
The well-known Mount Kīlauea Volcano erupted for the 43rd time on Tuesday in Hawaii. Kilauea latest eruption shot lava 1300 feet in the air and tephra fell in nearby communities.
"A combination of fountaining dynamics and wind conditions determines where tephra fall may occur for any given eruption episode," a statement from the USGS said.
As an extra precaution, motorists are advised to avoid the area, with a portion of Highway 11 being closed.
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Lava flows will continue to quickly advance downhill as the powerful Mount Kīlauea continues to produce steadily strengthening lava fountains this evening.