Watch: A River of Lava
12/7/2025 9:40:00 AM
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that Kīlauea volcano in the Hawaiian Islands during the thirty-eighth episode of its eruption spewed a lava river reaching a height of 370 meters.
For the first time since the start of this eruption, three lava fountains of similar size were observed on the volcano, a phenomenon experts described as "extremely rare."
The Geological Survey explained that three volcanic vents were simultaneously ejecting lava fountains, with the southern vent’s fountain reaching about 1,200 feet (370 meters), while the northern vents’ fountains had decreased from their previous peak of 500 feet (150 meters). Before the southern vent dominated, three fountains, each about 500 feet (150 meters) high, two from the northern vents and one from the southern, were observed, marking a triple event never recorded before during this eruption.
Kīlauea volcano, located on the island of Hawaii, is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and holds significance in traditional beliefs as the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.
For the first time since the start of this eruption, three lava fountains of similar size were observed on the volcano, a phenomenon experts described as "extremely rare."
The Geological Survey explained that three volcanic vents were simultaneously ejecting lava fountains, with the southern vent’s fountain reaching about 1,200 feet (370 meters), while the northern vents’ fountains had decreased from their previous peak of 500 feet (150 meters). Before the southern vent dominated, three fountains, each about 500 feet (150 meters) high, two from the northern vents and one from the southern, were observed, marking a triple event never recorded before during this eruption.
Kīlauea volcano, located on the island of Hawaii, is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and holds significance in traditional beliefs as the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.