Lavanado Captured at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii
The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, a site of ongoing volcanic activity, recently offered a breathtaking spectacle as lava was observed swirling into the air, resembling a fiery dust devil. This remarkable phenomenon, dubbed a "lavanado," was captured on video by Scott Malis during the volcano’s 11th eruptive episode, providing a stunning glimpse into the raw power and unique natural occurrences associated with volcanic eruptions.
The video footage, taken on February 26, shows molten lava spewing from the volcano’s summit and then transforming into a spinning vortex that rose into the air. According to Malis, who witnessed the event firsthand, the lavanado occurred around 4 a.m. and persisted for approximately five minutes. He explained to USA TODAY that the phenomenon is likely created by the interaction of the extreme heat from the lava with the cooler air on the mountain, resulting in tornado-like action and the formation of a funnel cloud.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines a lavanado as a wind vortex that develops within the caldera, which is the large depression formed when a volcano’s central part collapses after an eruption. These vortices are typically associated with volcanic activity, but they are relatively rare and not always as visually striking as the one observed at Kilauea.
The video of the lavanado was recorded during episode 11 of the ongoing summit eruption at Kilauea, which began on February 25 around 6:22 p.m. local time and concluded the following morning around 7:06 a.m. local time, as reported by the Hawaii Volcano Observatory. The observatory noted that during the eruption, fountains of lava reached peak heights of approximately 600 feet, demonstrating the intensity of the volcanic activity.
Scott Malis, a resident of the island for over 15 years, frequently visits the national park to observe volcanic activity. He has witnessed seven of the 12 episodes of the ongoing summit eruption. However, he described episode 11 as "definitely by far the biggest one I’ve seen," emphasizing its immense fascination. "Number 11 was my favorite one yet," Malis stated. "It’s very rare to see one that defined." He mentioned having previously observed a "really small version of a tornado" over lava, but had never witnessed one that formed a funnel cloud extending all the way into the sky.
Kilauea, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, began erupting in the early hours of December 23, 2024, with intermittent pauses in activity. The volcano completed its 12th eruptive episode on Tuesday morning, after 22 hours of continuous activity, according to the volcano observatory.
Kilauea is situated along the southeastern shore of the Island of Hawaii within the Volcanoes National Park. This park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, making it a popular destination for tourists and scientists alike. The ongoing volcanic activity at Kilauea provides a unique opportunity to study volcanic processes and witness the dynamic forces that shape the Earth’s surface.
The eruptive episodes at Kilauea have varied in duration, lasting from hours to several days, with periods of inactivity lasting from hours to as long as 12 days, according to the USGS. This variability in eruptive behavior is typical of Kilauea and other active volcanoes. The pauses in activity allow for the build-up of pressure within the volcano, which eventually leads to renewed eruptions.
The recent eruption at Kilauea and the emergence of the lavanado serve as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. These events also highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to better understand volcanic processes and mitigate the potential risks associated with volcanic activity.
The Kilauea volcano, a symbol of Hawaii’s geological dynamism, continues to be a source of both wonder and scientific inquiry. The phenomenon of the lavanado, captured in its fiery dance, demonstrates the rare and awe-inspiring events that can occur when the Earth’s inner energy finds its way to the surface. The ongoing eruptions and associated phenomena like lavanados draw attention to the importance of continued study and appreciation of the natural world. The ability to capture such events through video and photography allows for a wider audience to experience the power and beauty of volcanic activity, promoting greater understanding and respect for the Earth’s dynamic processes.
