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Published on December 26, 2024
Kilauea Volcano's Eruption Pauses, USGS Monitors for Potential Resumption Near Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkSource: Wikipedia/Hawaii Volcano Observatory, USGS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

For those intimately following the undulations of Kilauea's temperament, its recent eruption that began on Christmas Eve has ceased, albeit temporarily, as reported by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory early this morning. "Seismic tremor also decreased markedly at the same time," said HVO in their daily status report obtained by KHON2. This pause echoes the brevity of an earlier cessation this week but came to be more suddenly.

The volcano's second display of power endured for over 24 hours, outlasting the initial episode from Monday, which lasted just half that time. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have issued their usual prescient reminder that the repose could abruptly end, and volcanic activity might promptly resume. They are keeping a vigilant eye on the shifts that Mother Earth beneath Hawaii Island orchestrates, as residents in the area, especially near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, brace for potential further demonstrations of Pele's might.

Along with the end of activity, the stunning lava fountain that drew many viewers to the USGS's YouTube page has also diminished since the morning yesterday. As the display faded, the lava was seen retreating back into the earth, which was visible on the USGS livestream.

Further addressing the changes, HVO stated through KHON2, "The lava is draining back into the vent and HVO said that started occurring at the same time that summit tiltmeters started recording inflation rather than deflation." This observation yields particular importance for volcano monitoring. The National Park Service is also closely monitoring the situation and has raised concerns about volcanic gas emissions affecting air quality both within the park and the surrounding communities, as noted in a dispatch from KITV.

Hawaii residents near the park are urged to stay updated on air quality and remain alert to any changes from Kilauea, as the island continues to live in tune with its volcanic activity.