Cycles of explosive and effusive eruptions at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i

Kīlauea Volcano, a prominent feature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, exhibits complex eruptive cycles characterized by alternating periods of explosive and effusive activity over the past 2500 years. Contrary to its reputation for continuous effusive eruptions, Kīlauea has experienced three prolonged effusive phases and two explosive ones, each lasting several centuries. Explosive activity, marked by phreatic and phreatomagmatic events within the summit caldera, correlates with a significant drop in magma supply rates to the shallow storage volume beneath the volcano. This reduction can lead to caldera collapse when erupted or intruded magma is not replenished. The study identifies unique glass compositions in explosive tephra, suggesting disruption of the shallow reservoir complex during caldera formation. These findings highlight Kīlauea's dynamic and modulated system, influenced by factors such as melting rate, supply rate, conduit stability, and water table interactions. The research underscores potential hazards associated with prolonged explosive periods, which could have substantial societal impacts if they were to recur.

Swanson, D. A., Rose, T. R., Mucek, A. E., Garcia, M. O., Fiske, R. S., & Mastin, L. G. (2014). Cycles of explosive and effusive eruptions at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i. Geology, 42(7), 631–634. https://doi.org/10.1130/g35701.1