The 2018 lower Puna eruption was a volcanic event on the island of Hawaiʻi, on Kīlauea volcano's East Rift Zone that began on May 3, 2018. It is related to the larger eruption of Kīlauea that began on January 3, 1983, though some volcanologists and USGS scientists have discussed whether to classify it as a new eruption. Outbreaks of lava fountains up to 300 feet (90 m) high, lava flows, and volcanic gas in the Leilani Estates subdivision were preceded by earthquakes and ground deformation that created cracks in the roads.
ʻAʻā lava flows emerging from the elongated fissure 16-20 form channels on May 19, 2018
Ash from Kilauea Eruption, right image shows the height of the plume by color.
Blue flames from burning methane gas in Leilani Estates, on 22 May 2018, 11:30 p.m. HST.
Collapse in the crater of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, creating an ash plume (May 3, 2018)
Hawaii is the largest island in the United States, located in the eponymous state of Hawaii. It is the southeasternmost of the Hawaiian Islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the North Pacific Ocean. With an area of 4,028 square miles (10,430 km2), it has 63% of the Hawaiian archipelago's combined landmass. However, it has only 13% of the archipelago's population. The island of Hawaiʻi is the third largest island in Polynesia, behind the north and south islands of New Zealand.
Landsat mosaic, 1999–2001
James Kealoha Beach, "Carlsmith Beach Park", in Hilo
Aerial view, 3D computer-generated image
A view of the Kohala Coast and adjacent volcanoes, taken from the slopes of Kohala Mountains about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Kawaihae. From left to right: Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai.
