Watch 2,100-degree wind vortex pick up chunks of fresh lava as Hawaii volcano erupts

A rarely seen wind vortex was filmed atop Hawaii’s erupting Kilauea Volcano as temperatures topped 2,000 degrees, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The super-hot whirlwind formed directly over a lava lake and grew into a towering funnel before dissipating at the edge of the crater, video shows.

“Scientists observed wind vortexes during the first day of the new eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, which began before sunrise on June 7,” the USGS said.

“These vortexes form due to extreme heat. ... Eruption temperatures were about 1150 degrees C (2100 degrees F).”

The large black flakes seen inside the vortex are “pieces of fresh lava” that were grabbed up by the wind and flung around, the USGS says.

Scientists recorded the video “from the rim of the crater and used a telephoto lens” for safety, officials said.

USGS officials report wind vortexes were also seen in 2018, when the summit of Kilauea collapsed during an explosive eruption that sent lava across 14 square miles.

Kilauea’s latest eruption began at 4:44 a.m. on June 7, and “activity continues to decrease” in the crater, the USGS reported June 13.

The 280,000-year-old volcano is the most active on the Island of Hawaii and considered to be “one of the busiest in the world,” according to the National Park Service.

This story was originally published June 13, 2023 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Watch 2,100-degree wind vortex pick up chunks of fresh lava as Hawaii volcano erupts."