HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Kīlauea gave early signs of erupting once again in the early hours of Wednesday, March 19. Shortly before 9:30 a.m., it began its 14th episode.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park saw first signs of activity at around midnight when seven small, short-lived lava flows erupted unti
l 6 a.m.
Episode 13 of Kilauea’s eruption has started
Lava began spewing out of the south vent around 9:50 a.m.
"Low dome fountaining is intermittently present as gas-rich magma starts to mix with the degassed magma," said HVO in a report.
Kīlauea has been erupting in phases since Dec. 23 with each episode lasting between 13 hours to eight days and separated by pauses lasting less than 24 hours to 12 days.
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Experts said the latest episode is optimal for visitors.
"It could go on for a while. That would be fun. It's a good spot to have it because it's not particularly dangerous for anybody. Most of the effects are either gases coming out or any of the byproducts are generally in places that are not very populated," said Steve Lundblad, UH Hilo geology professor.
Officials added that vog and Pele's hair is expected to increase as this episode continues.
HVO said all eruptive activity remains within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
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"No significant activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone." ...read more read less