Mauna Loa started erupting at its Moku‘āweoweo summit caldera in the early morning hours today. Located on the big island of Hawai'i, the massive shield volcano hasn't been active in 38 years. The eruption is following the profile of most Hawaiian-style eruptions, with a fissure opening at the summit with lava fountains and lava flows moving out from the new vent (see above).
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory moved the alert status for Mauna Loa to Red/Warning thanks to this new activity. Right now there is no threat to the people living around the volcano as this eruption is likely to remain confined to the summit. However, views from the summit rim show lava flows coating the floor quickly (see above).
UPDATE 11:30 am ET: The USGS is reporting that lava flows have spilled out of the summit caldera to the southwest, but the eruption is still coming from the ...
