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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Halema`uma`u - New Gas Vent
Visitors look at the new vent in Halemaumau from the overlook at Jaggar Museum
NPS Photo by N. Judd
Visitors look at the new vent in Halema`uma`u crater from the overlook at Jaggar Museum. (April 18, 2008)

A swarm of earthquakes and formation of a fumarole (vent emitting gasses) the morning of March 12, 2008, signalled the start of something new at the summit of Kilauea. Three "throat-clearing" explosions has given this new activity the distinction of being the first explosive eruption in Halema`uma`u Crater since 1924 and the first lava erupted from the crater since 1982.

The eruption continues - Use the links below for more information about the dynamic changes at the summit of Kilauea.

Visitor Alert - Hazardous Fumes and Area Closure Advisory 

 

Video Podcast:
Halema`uma`u Ash Plume - (March 25, 2008)

 
Gasses jet out of rubble on the crater wall of Halema`uma`u
NPS photo by Dave Boyle
Gasses jet out of rubble on the Halema`uma`u crater wall.

New Gas Vent in Halema'uma'u - (March 14, 2008)

Video clip of sulfur dioxide fumes (SO2) jetting out of rubble on the crater wall of Halema'uma'u.

 
 

In a Nutshell: A short summary of events leading to the formation and continued eruption of the new vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater:

March 11 - 12, 2008 - Deflation/inflation event occured.
March 12, 2008 - Scientists noted a small swarm of earthquakes in the morning of March 12th. Shortly after, a new fuming area (fumarole) appeared low on the southeast wall of the crater, directly beneath the Halema`uma`u overlook and about 230' down.
March 19, 2008, Wednesday - At 2:58 a.m., scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recorded a small explosion from the new fumarole in Halema`uma`u crater, the first explosive event since 1924. Debris was scattered over a 75 acre area. The overlook was damaged by rocks that were up to 3 feet (90cm) across. A light dusting of ash fell in a community several miles away in the district of Ka`u.
April 9, 2008 - another small explosion occurred, enlarging the vent opening and depositing dense blocks and particles of fresh lava on the Halema`uma`u overlook area.
April 16, 2008 - at 3:57 a.m., a third small explosion from the vent occurred, enlarging the vent and depositing a thin dusting of pale-red ash west of the crater.

The new explosion pit continues to vigorously vent gas and ash, with the plume alternating between brown (ash-rich) and white (ash-poor).

Visitors may view the new vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater and the plume from the overlook at Jaggar Museum. Other overlooks with views include: Steam Vents, Kilauea Overlook, Kilauea Iki Overlook, and Volcano House hotel.

 
Baby Hawksbill Sea Turtle emerges from its nest.  

Did You Know?
The endangered Honu`ea (Hawksbill Sea Turtle) comes to shore on the main Hawaiian Islands to nest. They lay multiple nests throughout the season with an average of 175 eggs per nest. Only one in 5,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood.

Last Updated: June 27, 2008 at 18:55 EST