Volcanic fragments rain down as Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts

Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted, sending volcanic fragments known as tephra into the surrounding areas. The US Geological Survey reported lava fountaining reached 1,300 feet, creating a plume that deposited tephra within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and nearby communities. Tephra consists of volcanic ash, pumice, scoria, Pele's hair, and reticulate, all formed by the lava fountains. The heaviest accumulation of tephra, between 4-7 inches, was recorded at Uēkahuna Overlook. The eruption's impact was primarily the falling of these volcanic fragments on the immediate environment.