Volcanic eruptions and hurricane-force winds engulf Big Island
The Kilauea volcano, located on the largest island of the Hawaiian island chain, commonly known as "Hawaii" or "Big Island", is currently spewing lava fountains, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS) on Tuesday morning local time.
Kilauea, standing at a height of 1,247 meters, is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It is part of the Pacific archipelago, a collection of islands in the Pacific Ocean.
The eruptions have occurred since Kilauea started erupting again last December, making this the 32nd eruptive episode since then. This eruptive episode is averaging about one per week.
During the eruption, lava fountains have reached heights of up to 100 meters. A vortex wind phenomenon, caused by the meeting of hot and cold air, is swirling around the edges of the lava fountains, according to the USGS.
It's important to note that the Hawaiian island chain is not the same as the US state of Hawaii, which includes multiple islands. The US state of Hawaiian islands is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 3,700 kilometers southwest of the US West Coast.
The capital of the US, Honolulu, is located on a different island (Oahu) northwest of "Big Island". Honolulu serves as the cultural and commercial center of the state, located on the southern coast of Oahu.
The current eruption is taking place in a closed area of the Volcanoes National Park, ensuring the safety of visitors and locals. However, the USGS has warned that the released volcanic gases could have far-reaching effects.
The Hawaiian island chain, specifically Kilauea, is not located on the US mainland but is part of the Pacific Ocean. The eruptions are a reminder of the island's unique and dynamic geology, attracting both scientists and tourists from around the world.
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