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In 2018, the Hawaiian volcano Kilauea experienced a series of explosive eruptions that were triggered by a unique mechanism. Researchers discovered that the collapses of Kilauea's summit crater caused large chunks of rock to plunge into the magma chamber below. This sudden compression of air in the chamber sent volcanic debris shooting into the sky, similar to a stomp rocket toy. The traditional mechanisms for explosive volcanic eruptions, such as depressurization of magma or flash-heating of groundwater, could not explain Kilauea's unusual eruptions. This newly described mechanism could help researchers better understand and mitigate hazards from similar volcanoes. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides information on the scientific information and discoveries that resulted from the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. Topics covered include the age of lava and the impact on fissures, the speed at which lava traveled, and the appearance of microbes.

Reports on the efforts of the scientists to predict and understand the actions of the complex, at times mysterious volcanic system at Kilauea, Hawaii. Location of the observatory run by the United States Geological Survey in Hawaii; Original purpose of the observatory; Utility of photographs in volcanic studies; Outstanding feature of eruptions in Hawaii.

The article discusses research on volcanic hot spots. The apparent chronology of the Hawaiian archipelago of volcanoes and seamounts, along with evidence culled from the chemistry of their respective lavas, led some scientists decades ago to speculate that the islands were formed as the ocean crust supporting them inched northwest over an abnormally hot spot in Earth's mantle. As these geologists saw it, that hot spot, now under Kilauea, is generated by an upwelling zone of hot rock, called a mantle plume, that intermittently pierces Earth's crust blowtorch style. Because hot spots lie deep within Earth, researchers who developed the mantle-plume hypothesis had a tough time convincing skeptical colleagues. To be sure, plumes may not explain every volcanic island and seamount. Now, however, researchers are performing sophisticated analyses of seismic waves that have traveled deep within the mantle beneath Hawaii as well as within some other volcanically active regions. The result is strong evidence that plumes are major actors in sculpting Earth's volcanoes. By analyzing patterns of seismic waves that travel through rock as pressure pulses, which seismologists call P-waves, researchers identified 32 broad regions in the mantle worldwide where seismic waves travel more slowly than average. Six of those regions-those that lie beneath Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, the Azores and Canary Islands in the North Atlantic, and Easter Island, Tahiti, and Samoa in the Pacific-clearly extend all the way to the core-mantle boundary.

This article discusses the mechanics of volcanic eruptions. On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens blew its top. Contrast that event with the latest activity of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, an event that began early in 1983 and is still under way. Although the mountain occasionally spews fountains of lava, the molten rock it exudes usually just flows down the slopes. Two volcanoes. Two eruption styles. Geologists have long sought to uncover what underlies such variation, which sometimes gives a volcano different temperaments at different times. The more these researchers delve into these pursuits, the more convinced they become that the world's volcanoes have a lot in common with soda pop.

Reports on the deterioration of the Kilauea volcano and reports that part of the mountain is tearing away from the rest of the island of Hawaii and sliding toward the ocean. Carl Thornber of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; Possibility that even minor slides in the mountain's mass can cause earthquakes; Efforts of some scientists to inform Hawaiians about the hazards of earthquakes and tsunamis. INSET: The enduring eruption, by R. Monastersky.

Reports on a study of the geological record of the 1790 Kilauea Volcano eruption on the island of Hawaii, by Robert L. Christiansen of the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California. Composition of deposits of the active volcano; Factor responsible for the eruption.

The article discusses a report published in September 2019 in the journal "Science," which explored the eruption of the Kilauea volcano and how it fed a phytoplankton bloom.

A correction to the February 2, 2019 article "Kilauea Curiosities" is presented.

The article focuses on the Kilauea volcanic eruption in May 2018 and how it is unlikely to be as destructive as Krakatoa has been in the past. It states Kilauea is a shield volcano with magma relatively low in silica and containing less gas, meaning the volcano is significantly less likely to explode. It comments that Krakatoa is a stratovolcano with magma rich in silica and more viscous magma. It mentions changes at Kilauea's summit with the lava lake in the caldera having sunk out of sight.

Examines natural air pollution in Hawaii emitted from Kilauea volcano. Tests being conducted by Tamar Elias and Jeff Sutton; Comments by David A. Clague the US Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at Kilauea; Sulfer dioxide emitted; James W. Morrow study's; Symptoms of exposure to the gas; emitted.

The article discusses volcanologist Matt Patrick, how he monitors the Hawaiian volcano Kilauea at the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and how his research requires the use of thermal cameras to collect data from volcanic eruptions.

The article reports on the history of the Kilauea volcano in the Hawaiian Islands and presents data from surveys showing numerous periods of explosive volcanism over the past 2,500 years.

As of Jan. 3, Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously for 2 decades. In all, Kilauea has coughed up more than 2.3 cubic kilometers of molten rock since 1983. Despite the longevity of Kilauea's eruption, lava output remains high, says Don Swanson of the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory near Hilo. Each day, the volcano produces nearly 350,000 cubic meters of lava-that's about 45,000 dump truck loads-and emits 1,800 tons of sulfur dioxide gas. In the past 20 years, Kilauea has destroyed nearly 200 homes and other structures, causing $61 million in damage.

Reports on the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory near Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Island. Amount of lava produced by the volcano during three years of eruption; Features of the observatory.

Reports on the eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii in January 1983. Activities of the volcano observed by scientists; Geological research on the effects of the eruption.

Reports that there are signs of a subsea volcano known as Loihi Seamount which is 30 kilometers southeast of the island of Hawaii, on the south submarine slope of Kilauea volcano. Features of Kilauea volcano; Results of samples dredged from Loihi's summit; Interpretation of the Loihi lavas.