Halemaumau Volcano active again - Hilo, Big Island

Alyssa · March 25, 2008

Splatters of lava from Hawaii crater

Tue Mar 25, 5:36 AM ET

Small splatters of molten lava have been ejected from Hawaii's Halemaumau Crater for the first time since 1982.

Officials with the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory say some of the particles — the largest of which measure four inches across — have landed on the rim of the crater.

Scientists say the gas from the new vent at Halemaumau is thick with ash, making the plume from the 100-foot-wide vent appear brown.

Officials are continuing to monitor the activity, and say aviation agencies have been warned that the ash may threaten aircraft in the area.

starchild · March 25, 2008

Good stuff!! I took a Volcano study course in college that got me fascinated with them. Never seen one active in real life but I hear they are quite a treat! (well if you aren't in danger of course)

Alyssa · March 25, 2008

FI had always wanted to see a live Volcano - we went to Costa Rica a couple years ago and we went to Arenal on his bday to go to the hot springs water park and the Volcano started spewing beautiful hot red lava! it was surreal - the locals said that it hadn't been active for weeks and was really unpredictable - we felt so lucky to see it, what a bday present!!!