Explosive eruptions from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano reached new heights Wednesday as "dense ballistic blocks" shot from the crater.
"Ballistic blocks" are projectiles that volcanoes can hurl into the air during eruption. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, these blocks measured up to 2 feet across and were found a few hundred yards away from Kilauea's Halemaumau crater. The agency notes ballistic blocks can weigh anywhere from a few pounds to several tons.
The USGS said, "These reflect the most energetic explosions yet observed." The agency added it expects more of these explosions to happen and that they could be more powerful.
On Tuesday, the USGS upped the area's aviation alert after dangerous volcanic air pollution called vog intensified at Kilauea's summit.
The dangerous eruptions started earlier this month. So far, mass evacuations haven't been needed.
