Kīlauea is an active shield volcano located on the southeastern shore of the island of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Islands. It is one of the world's most active volcanoes and the youngest of the five volcanoes that form the island
. Key facts about Kīlauea:
- It stands about 1,247 meters (4,091 feet) tall and has a large summit caldera with a pit crater called Halemaʻumaʻu, which is its most active vent
- The volcano is between 210,000 and 280,000 years old and emerged above sea level roughly 100,000 years ago
- Kīlauea produces mostly effusive eruptions, characterized by relatively gentle lava flows rather than explosive activity, although explosive eruptions have occurred historically
- It has two active rift zones extending east and west where lava frequently erupts
- Since 1983, Kīlauea experienced a long-lasting eruptive phase that lasted until 2018, producing extensive lava flows that reshaped the landscape and destroyed communities
- The volcano is a central feature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is culturally significant, associated with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes
In summary, Kīlauea is a highly active shield volcano known for its frequent lava flows and significant geological and cultural importance in Hawaii