Lava fountains erupt from north vent as Kīlauea episode 47 begins

Episode 47 of the ongoing eruption at Kīlauea summit began Thursday afternoon with lava fountaining from the north vent in Halema’uma’u crater, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The eruption began at approximately 3:33 p.m., with low-level fountaining observed shortly afterward, officials said. Activity remains confined to Halema’uma’u crater within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the north vent is currently the primary source of fountaining, while the south vent continues intermittent overflows.

Trade winds blowing from the northeast are expected to carry volcanic gas emissions, fine ash, and Pele’s hair toward areas southwest of the summit, including portions of Ka’ū. Residents in downwind communities may experience elevated gas levels and falling volcanic material and are advised to reduce exposure and take proper precautions.

Officials added that tephra, including volcanic ash, is most heavily concentrated within three miles of the eruptic vents, although lighter ash asn Pele’s hair may travel greater distances.

There are currently no reported road closures.

Kīlauea remains at Volcano Alert Level Watch and Aviation Color Code Orange. Lava flows generated during the eruption remain within Halema’uma’u crater in the south portion of Kaluapele, Kīlauea’s summit caldera.

Three Kīlauea summit livestream videos that show eruptive lava fountains are available here: https://www.youtube.com/@usgs/streams
Summit eruption webcams: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/summit-webcams

Learn more about gas pistons in a Volcano Watch article here: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/news/volcano-watch-so-what-earth-or-least-kilauea-a-gas-piston