Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii erupted Sunday with a powerful display, launching lava fountains high into the atmosphere and generating an ash plume that reached approximately 35,000 feet above sea level. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the event marks the 42nd episode of lava fountaining in an ongoing pattern of intermittent volcanic activity that began in December 2024.

The eruption produced towering columns of molten rock and volcanic gases, a hallmark of high-energy fountaining driven by pressurized magma and rapid gas release. Such plumes can pose hazards to aviation due to ash particles capable of damaging aircraft engines and reducing visibility, prompting close monitoring by geological and aviation authorities. Ground-level impacts typically include localized lava flows, volcanic gas emissions, and potential air quality concerns in downwind areas.

Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and its current eruptive phase has been characterized by periodic bursts of lava fountaining separated by quieter intervals. These episodes reflect fluctuations in magma supply and gas pressure within the volcanic system. While the volcano’s activity is largely confined within designated hazard zones, officials continue to monitor seismicity, ground deformation, and gas output to assess potential changes in eruption behavior.

The latest eruption underscores the dynamic nature of Kīlauea’s ongoing activity and the importance of continuous scientific observation. By tracking each fountaining episode, researchers gain valuable data on magma movement, eruption forecasting, and hazard mitigation, helping to protect nearby communities and infrastructure while advancing understanding of one of Earth’s most studied volcanic systems.