Kilauea Eruption Continues: How Long Could It Last?

Lava flows from Fissure 17, seen on May 17, 2018. USGS/HVO The eruption at Kīlauea is still captivating the nation, as it should because this volcano hasn't behaving like this in almost a century. I thought I'd take a moment to step back and review of the main events so far and what it might all mean for Kīlauea and the people who live around the volcano. These eruptions are separated by a long way if you look at the satellite data and should almost be treated at two different events. The Leilani Estates Fissures As we enter the third week of the fissure eruption that started in and around Leilani Estates, much of the same activity continues. More fissures have opened and now we're up to 21 cracks opening in the ground. Lava flows, spatter and volcanic gases have dominated the eruption, with some of the flows (from fissure ...