Kilauea Volcano – Pu’u O’o crater
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kilauea Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Kilauea has been constantly erupting since Jan. 3, 1983.
A brand new vent recently opened up at Kilauea, causing lava to shoot up to 65 feet high.
Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that a fissure eruption was detected soon after the floor at the Pu’u O’o crater collapsed around 5 p.m. (local time) last Saturday, March 6, 2011.
Kilauea Volcano – Pu’u O’o crater (Associated Press)
The new Kilauea fissure happened along the middle of volcano’s east rift zone. The fissure is located approximately 2 miles west of Pu’u O’o.
Last Sunday, scientists spotted lava shooting up as high as 80 feet into the air.
The new activity at Kilauea Volcano has resulted in an immediate increase in visitation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, as both scientists and tourists arrived to observe the incredible display of power from Mother Nature.
Although the latest eruption from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has slowed, it can increase at a moment’s notice. Currently the decreased activity has resulted in less lava spewing out of the fissure.
Scientists reported that both seismic activity and sulfur dioxide levels have declined, but are still at levels above normal.
