HONOLULU (KHON2) — United States Geological Survey confirmed that the eruption at Kilauea has paused following a “rapid decline” in lava fountaining on Monday afternoon.
According to the USGS, vent activity was vigorous up until 4 p.m. As a result, circulation of the southwestern lava lake slowed down and the lake’s surface had even dropped a few meters.
However, you may continue to see lava glowing along the crater floor as it still needs to cool down before hardening.
A slide show below shows the change in fountain activity during a matter of just a few hours.
Kilauea spews out lava in Hawaii at 2:57 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023. (USGS) 
Kilauea spews out lava in Hawaii at 3:53 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023. (USGS) 
Kilauea sees a “rapid decline” in lava fountaining in Hawaii at 4:21 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023. (USGS) 
Kilauea eruption at pause in Hawaii at 5:05 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023. (USGS)
As for its rift zones, the USGS said steady but low rates of seismicity continue along its east or southwest side but they said that’s nothing out of the ordinary.
This eruption period began on June 7 after it had gone through a three-month pause. Since then Kilauea had brought a show of lava fountains within a spectacular massive lava lake.
The USGS has a 24-hour live stream of the Halemaʻumaʻu crater to take a look, click here.
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Scientists are monitoring the situation closely.
