Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Fissure 8 lava fountains

Detailed Description

What a difference four days makes. This thermal image of Fissure 8 fountains from the Lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea shows a few things.
1) The two lava fountains have gained height - tallest one from 150 ft to over 250 ft.
2) A Pu‘u has built up downwind.
3) The amount of material wafting downwind is greater.
Scientifically, we know the fountain temperatures are reaching up to about 2040 degrees F (1115 C). The composition of the lava erupted has high MgO (magnesium oxide) values, which comes from olivine crystals that are being pulled from deep in the rift zone.

Was this page helpful?