description Kīlauea summit fumaroles Overview
The Kīlauea summit fumaroles are volcanic gas vents located within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater of Kīlauea, an active shield volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. These openings continuously emit steam and sulfur dioxide gas, creating visible plumes and contributing to volcanic air pollution known as "vog." The landscape surrounding the fumaroles has undergone significant transformation due to major eruptive events, most notably the 2018 eruption that drastically altered the summit's geometry. They serve as active sites for geologists and volcanologists studying magmatic processes.
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What dangerous gases are emitted by the Kīlauea summit fumaroles?
The fumaroles primarily emit water vapor and sulfur dioxide. These emissions create visible plumes that contribute to volcanic air pollution, commonly known as vog, which can pose severe respiratory risks to visitors in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Where exactly can you see the fumaroles at Kīlauea?
The most prominent fumaroles are located within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater on the summit of Kīlauea. Visitors can often observe the steam plumes from designated overlooks along the crater rim drive.
Do the Kīlauea summit fumaroles stop emitting gas when the volcano isn't actively erupting?
Even when Kīlauea is not in an active eruption phase with flowing lava, the fumaroles continuously emit steam and gases. This constant venting is driven by the underlying shallow magma chamber that maintains high geothermal activity.
How is the sulfur dioxide from the summit fumaroles monitored?
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continuously monitors gas emissions using spectrometers and specialized camera equipment. Tracking these emissions is crucial for assessing volcanic hazards and determining if an eruption is imminent.
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