December 23, 2024 - Kīlauea summit eruption plume

Detailed Description
The new Kīlauea summit eruption is occurring within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. High levels of volcanic gas—primarily water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—are the primary hazard of concern, as this hazard can have far-reaching effects down-wind. This photo shows the new eruption plume illuminated with the rising sun. Estimates from the KPcam, located on the flank of Mauna Loa and looking towards Kīlauea, suggest that the plume is reaching elevations of about 6,000-8,000 feet above sea level. As SO2 is continuously released from the summit during the eruption, it will react in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic smog) downwind of Kīlauea. Vog information can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/. USGS photo by D. Downs.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.