Klauea

Klauea, commonly spelled Kilauea, is an active shield volcano on the southeastern part of the island of Hawaii in the United States. It is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and lies within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The volcano has a long history of eruptive activity and has played a central role in Hawaiian volcanic history.

Geology and structure: Kilauea has a broad, gently sloping shield built from low-viscosity basalt lava. The summit complex includes a large caldera containing the Halema‘uma‘u crater. Two long rift zones extend east and southwest from the summit, producing fissure eruptions and lava flows that often reach the ocean.

Eruption history: Kilauea has a long recorded history of activity. A long-lived eruption began at the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent in 1983 and continued, with periodic pauses, until 2018. The 2018 eruption cycle produced extensive lava flows, the destruction of communities in the lower Puna region, and a partial collapse of the summit caldera. Since then, activity has continued at the summit and in the lower east Rift Zone, including lava lakes in Halema‘uma‘u and episodic fissure eruptions.

Monitoring and impact: The United States Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory tracks seismic signals, ground deformation, gas emissions, and eruptive activity. Hazards include lava flows that can alter landscapes and roads, volcanic gases, and occasional ash plumes. Kilauea is a major tourist destination due to its accessibility and ongoing activity, while also demanding respectful safety planning for nearby residents.