Lava Lake Forms as Hawaii Volcano Erupts After 2-year Break

Lava Lake Forms as Hawaii Volcano Erupts After 2-year Break
A plume rises near active fissures in the crater of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii on Dec. 21, 2020. M. Patrick/U.S. Geological Survey via AP
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HONOLULU—Lava was rising more than 3 feet (1 meter) per hour in the deep crater of a Hawaii volcano that began erupting over the weekend after a two-year break, scientists said Tuesday.

Kilauea volcano within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island was gushing molten rock from at least two vents inside its summit crater, the U.S. Geological Survey said. A lava lake has formed, rising about 440 feet (134 meters) from the bottom of the crater.