Molten rock began shooting from the volcano before dawn on Monday when fissures opened in the caldera floor and propelled lava 295 feet (90 meters) into the air. The red liquid formed tall fountains and then spread across 650 acres (263 hectares). The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory estimated the lava was about 1 yard (1 meter) thick.

Hawaii’s Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanos, fired out partially molten “lava bombs” from its vents and lava fountains up to 262 feet.

Hawai'i's Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island erupted on Monday morning, prompting the U.S. Geological Survey to issue a warning as it noted lava fountains spewed up to 262 feet. The big picture: Researchers are monitoring air quality as Kīlauea,