Volcanic fragments rain down as Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts

The US Geological Survey reported that this fountaining episode reached 1,300ft (400M). According to the USGS, Kilauea’s plume sent tephra falling within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and into adjacent communities. 


Tephra is glassy volcanic fragments made up of volcanic ash, pumice, scoria, Pele’s hair and reticulite, created by lava fountains.

The heaviest tephra fall was recorded at Uēkahuna Overlook where about 4-7 inches accumulated.