Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted for the 31st time since December, sending lava fountains soaring 30 meters into the air from its summit crater on Friday. While the eruption remains confined to the crater, avoiding threats to nearby communities, it has captivated global audiences through livestreams and drawn crowds to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) emphasize that these frequent eruptions are part of a single prolonged event, with patterns mirroring Kilauea's historic 35-year eruption cycle that ended in 2018. 'This activity reflects the volcano's dynamic nature,' said a USGS spokesperson. 'While there’s no immediate danger to residents, we continue to monitor gas emissions and seismic data closely.'
The spectacle has boosted tourism, with visitors flocking to witness the glowing lava flows. Park officials urge caution, reminding travelers to stay on marked trails and respect safety barriers. For researchers, the eruptions offer fresh insights into volcanic behavior, aiding long-term hazard assessments.
