Kīlauea Chemistry Signals Taller Lava Fountains After 52 Episodes as MgO Rises Again
Updated
Updated · Big Island Video News · Aug 8
Kīlauea Chemistry Signals Taller Lava Fountains After 52 Episodes as MgO Rises Again
3 articles · Updated · Big Island Video News · Aug 8
Summary
USGS scientists said Kīlauea may be entering a new fountain-growth phase after magma chemistry and lava heights both turned higher again in episodes 46 through 48.
MgO levels rose alongside fountain heights, while episode 44 brought an abrupt drop in both measures and a new olivine population showing cooler, more differentiated magma.
That pattern points to magma supply beneath Halemaʻumaʻu as a likely control: less fresh magma lets the chamber cool and fountains weaken, while renewed input can drive taller bursts.
The summit eruption, which began on Dec. 23, 2024, has produced 52 fountain episodes averaging every 11 days, with heights ranging from 130 to 1,770 feet.
The eruption is still paused as of Saturday morning, and ongoing deflation is likely to delay the next high-fountaining episode even as chemistry suggests stronger activity could return.