Kilauea, United States - September 20, 2024

In a dramatic twist of nature, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's field crews documented a temporary lull in Kīlauea's latest eruption early on September 20, 2024. After capturing videos of minor spattering and small lava fountains at the volcano's middle East Rift Zone, the crews observed that by 10 a.m. HST, the fiery spectacle had ceased, leaving behind a landscape veiled in volcanic gas and steam.

The eruption, which first ignited the night of September 15, has captivated scientists and locals alike with its intensity and unpredictability. Although the immediate eruptive activity paused, the vents continued to emit significant amounts of volcanic gas, signaling that the volcano could spring back to life at any moment.

This event unfolded within the confines of a closed-off, remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, ensuring safety for visitors and residents while allowing scientists a rare, up-close study of Kīlauea's behavior. The pause in eruptive activity does not signify an end but rather a moment of repose in what could be a longer cycle of volcanic activity.

The USGS teams remain on high alert, monitoring any changes that could indicate a resurgence of the eruption. This pause offers a brief window for further study, but the ongoing emissions of gas and steam remind all that Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is merely catching its breath before potentially unleashing its fiery power once more.