KAILUA-KONA — The eruption in the lower East Rift Zone continues with no significant change during the past 24 hours, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists reported Tuesday morning.
Fountains from fissure 8 continue to supply lava to the open channel with only small, short-lived overflows. The spatter cone is now 180 feet at its highest point, and fountains only occasionally rise above that point, HVO said.
The lava flow front at the coast broadened southward and is now nearly 2 miles wide. Lava was entering the sea Tuesday morning on the southern portion of the flow front primarily through the open channel, but also along a 0.6-mile-wide area with multiple laze plumes from smaller oozing lobes, according to HVO.
Fissure 22 showed weak spattering and tiny flows around the base of the cone. HVO said Tuesday morning’s overflight crew also observed minor incandescence at Fissure 16/18.
Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountain at fissure 8 continue to fall downwind of the fissure, dusting the ground within a few hundred yards of the vent. Scientists cautioned that high winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.
Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from the 8 eruption. Continuing trade wind conditions are expected to bring VOG to the southern and western parts of the Island of Hawaii. VOG information can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/