UPDATE: 1 p.m.

Kilauea’s latest eruption episode at Halemaumau crater came to a close this morning after nearly 13 hours of lava fountaining. The north vent, which had been feeding the lava flows, ceased activity at 9:18 a.m., marking the end of Episode 10 in the ongoing eruption sequence that began in December.

By the time the activity waned, lava had covered about 75% of the crater floor, with the flows concentrated in the southern portion of Kaluapele, Kilauea’s summit caldera. Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed a shift from deflation to inflation at the summit around the time the eruption ended, along with a decrease in seismic tremor.

This pattern of short-lived eruptions followed by pauses has been consistent in recent months. Past episodes have ranged from as brief as 13 hours to as long as eight days, with quiet periods lasting anywhere from under a day to nearly two weeks, scientists said.

For now, Kilauea remains at a “watch” alert level, and aviation color code orange, with no changes detected along the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

The latest episode of Kilauea’s ongoing eruption began at 8:22 p.m. Wednesday in Halemaumau crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Lava fountains from the north vent have reached 300 to 400 feet, feeding multiple lava streams onto the crater floor between 8:22 and 9:05 p.m. Scientists reported that as of 8:45 p.m., less than 10% of the crater was covered with new lava flows.

The eruption is the 10th episode of lava fountaining at the summit caldera since Dec. 23. Each episode has lasted from 13 hours to eight days, with pauses between them ranging from less than 24 hours to 12 days.

No significant changes have been detected along Kilauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone. Seismic activity remains low, and tilt measurements indicate the transition from inflation to deflation began at the onset of the eruption.

Hazards from the eruption include high levels of volcanic gas, which can produce vog (volcanic smog) that affects air quality Opens in a new tab downwind. Pele’s hair — fine strands of volcanic glass produced by lava fountaining — may also be carried by the wind and pose a risk of skin and eye irritation to residents and visitors.

The eruption remains confined within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Kilauea’s Volcano Alert Level remains at WATCH with an ORANGE aviation color code. HVO scientists continue to monitor activity and will provide updates as conditions change.