Explainer: Is Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano Going to Erupt Again?

The crater of Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island in Hawaii National Park, Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2021. Drew Downs/U.S. Geological Survey via AP

HONOLULU—Scientists say the immediate potential for an eruption at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has declined after earthquakes and ground swelling subsided in the 24 hours leading up to Thursday morning. Earlier in the week, the quakes and changes to the ground surface prompted scientists to say the mountain could once again disgorge lava.

Here’s an overview of the latest developments at Kilauea:

What Activity Did Scientists See?

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Monday noticed a surge of earthquakes and the ground swelling at the southern part of the crater at Kilauea’s summit. There are indications magma is shifting about a half-mile to a mile below the surface.