Whirlwind forms over Hawaii's Kilauea volcano

A rare meteorological event occurred at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, where a small whirlwind was observed forming around the active crater. The unusual phenomenon was captured on camera on Monday, June 1, by monitoring equipment installed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The Kilauea volcano, situated on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Its caldera and surrounding areas are frequently subject to intense geological activity, including lava flows and gas emissions. While volcanic eruptions and seismic tremors are common, the formation of a whirlwind directly associated with the volcano presents a unique visual spectacle.

USGS cameras, strategically placed to monitor the volcano's behavior, recorded the moment the dust devil-like vortex swirled near the volcanic landscape. Such whirlwinds are typically formed by intense surface heating and atmospheric instability, conditions that can be present in the unique environment of a volcano. The footage provides a clear visual record of this localized atmospheric event against the backdrop of ongoing volcanic processes.