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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

New Year’s Eve 1974: Kīlauea’s Most Recent Southwest Rift Zone Eruption

Kīlauea at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, with a majority of its eruptions occurring at its summit or one of its two rift zones, the East Rift Zone and Southwest Rift Zone. The Southwest Rift Zone hasn't erupted since New Year’s Eve 1974; almost exactly 49 years ago.

Volcano Monitoring Can Be A Risky Business: How Scientists Work Safely

Active volcanoes are inherently hazardous places to work. Even when a volcano is quiet, volcanic gases, ground cracks, earthquakes, and uneven surfaces can be unsafe. Advanced planning and preparation for fieldwork in these environments is critical to reducing the personal risk of volcanic hazards to field crews.

Hawai’i Volcanoes Expands Area Closures Due To Kīlauea Unrest In Upper East Rift Zone

While Kīlauea volcano in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is not erupting, more signs of increased unrest are occurring as earthquakes spike in the upper East Rift Zone near Puhimau Crater. As a precaution, the park has closed Chain of Craters Road at the intersection near Devastation parking lot and nearby areas.

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