Geologists explain the science behind Kīlauea Volcano’s latest eruption

The Kilauea Volcano on Hawai‘i Island erupted 04 May 2018, spewing fountains of lava in a residential area where people were ordered to evacuate. (Image courtesy of Elyse Samuels/The Washington Post)

Kīlauea Volcano continues to erupt with at least six fissures observed in the Leilani Estates subdivision in the lower East Rift Zone, Hawai‘i Island. Each fissure is several hundred yards long, officials say, with spatter and lava collecting within tens of yards of the vents. Another area with significant activity is Halema‘uma‘u Crater at Kīlauea’s summit. Earlier Friday 04 May 2018, a massive plume of smoke, ash, and volcanic debris billowed skyward and could be seen for miles.

Watch the interviews Scott Rowland, geologist in the Department of Geology and Geophysics (G&G), on CNN and KHON2.

Watch the interviews with Julia Hammer, geologist in the Department of Geology and Geophysics (G&G), on KITV and KHON.

Watch the interviews with Ken Rubin, geologist and department chair in the Department of Geology and Geophysics (G&G),on ABC Australia.

Read more about the lead-up to the eruption and its early coverage here.