An ash-rich plume of volcanic debris billows out of Kilauea's Halemaumau crater.
Scientists say that recent changes deep within Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano appear to be responsible for the first expulsion of lava out of the volcano’s Halemaumau crater since 1982.
Some of the molten rock was ejected with enough force to reach the rim of the crater, with the largest fragments measuring about 4 inches across.
The U.S. Geological Survey told reporters that an accompanying plume of ash soaring high into the sky is a sign the volcano is going through some profound geophysical changes.
Unusual activity in March has included increased lava flow around Kilauea and the first explosive eruption in Halemaumau crater since 1924.
The volcano has also been expelling higher volumes of toxic gas in recent weeks.
Video: YouTube - volcanochaser
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