Kīlauea — Halema‘uma‘u West Vent Activity (Jan 5, 2021)

The activity at the Halema‘uma‘u west vent area on January 5, 2021, was dynamic. In the foreground, a “dome fountain” upwells from beneath the lake surface, pulsing with a bubble-like geometry. Just behind it, an effusive lava flow emerges from the base of the vent structure. A mid-elevation vent is also active, emitting another effusive lava flow. Finally, the higher elevation vent(s) exhibit intermittent weak strombolian activity, where incandescent spatter is thrown out onto the vent structure. All four of these eruption sources were active in the ongoing Halema’uma’u eruption throughout the afternoon and evening hours.