Scientists said Tuesday that two of Hawaii’s active volcanoes— Mauna Loa And Kilauea– The eruption has stopped, causing fear among those who have gone through previous eruptions.
The US Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued two separate statements Tuesday announcing that both Mauna Loa and Kilauea “are no longer erupting.”
USGS Volcanology said Tuesday, “Is it a coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. The volcanoes are not directly connected, but can ‘feel’ each other through the effects of stress.”
The alert level for both volcanoes was lowered from watch to advisory by the USGS. But the observatory “will remain vigilant” and “watch for changes that may indicate renewed activity.”
Mauna Loa, the largest volcano in the world erupted for the first time in nearly four decades on November 27 and on the Big Island of Hawaii, posing a threat to a major highway that connects the east and west sides of the island.
Thousands of onlookers and concerned local officials arrive after the eruption of Mauna Loa Lava fell within 1.7 miles of a vital highway According to USGS, before the supply of lava stopped on 10 December.
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Kilauea, which is considered the smaller counterpart of Mauna Loa, was Erupting from September 2021 And its lava supply stopped on December 9, the USGS said. Kilauea’s lava previously destroyed more than 700 homes on the Big Island in 2018.
Many spectators were able to see both volcanoes erupting at the same time in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a rare occurrence.
The scientist in charge of the observatory said, “It (Mauna Loa) was a beautiful eruption, and a lot of people saw it, and it didn’t take out any major infrastructure and most importantly, it didn’t affect anybody’s life. ” Ken Hone during a briefing on Tuesday.
After the eruption of Mauna Loa, Hawaii County officials opened a One-way mitigation route to manage lava viewing traffic, The route will be closed Thursday, said Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno.
In addition to Mauna Loa’s lava supply stopping, the observatory said volcanic tremors and earthquakes associated with eruptions have also “reduced significantly.”
The observatory’s activity summary states, “As lava cools, spots of incandescent may remain near vents, along channels, and at the flow front for days or weeks.” “However, a return of eruptive activity is not expected based on past eruptive behavior.”
While the supply of lava to Kilauea’s Halema’uma’u lava lake ceased, the observatory said there is a possibility that eruptions could resume or a new eruption could start.
According to Hon, there is usually a “cooling off” period of three months before scientists consider an eruption to be over. Hon said, but there is no history of Mauna Loa Rift eruptions stopping and resuming.
Contribution: Associated Press
