Kilauea Volcano

• Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted recently, sending lava fountains up to 30 meters high.

• This is the 31st eruption since December 2024, continuing its active phase.

About Kilauea Volcano

• One of the world’s most active volcanoes.

• Located in the southeastern part of the Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii state, USA).

• It is a shield volcano, characterized by broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid lava flows.

• Height: 4,090 feet (1,250 meters).

• The summit caldera contains a lava lake called Halema‘uma‘u, believed to be the home of the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele.

• Its slopes merge with the nearby Mauna Loa volcano on the west and north sides.

• Has been erupting almost continuously since 1983.

• Eruptions are usually non-explosive, confined within the caldera; lava sometimes overflows the floor and flanks of the caldera.

Key Facts about Shield Volcanoes

• Shield volcanoes are the largest volcanoes on Earth with recognizable volcano shapes.

• Composed mostly of basalt lava, which is very fluid and causes gentle slopes rather than steep peaks.

• Eruptions tend to be low-explosivity lava fountains, forming cinder cones and spatter cones at vents.

• Explosive eruptions are rare and generally occur if water enters the volcanic vent.

• Built over millions of years by repeated eruptions occurring intermittently.

• Hawaiian volcanoes, including Kilauea, are classic examples of shield volcanoes.