Weird NewsVIRAL WATCH

What's been driving Hawaii's lava fountains?

“Ars Technica asks what drove Hawaii's lava fountains. Before they started, the ground was expanding by half a meter a day.” — Brock Thunderson, on air

On air: Kenji Moonfield and Brock Thunderson on The Tailgate
Published 8:51 AM ET, Saturday, October 10, 2026

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Ars TechnicaWhat's been driving Hawaii's lava fountains?

What BBN said about it

Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistArs Technica asks what drove Hawaii's lava fountains. Before they started, the ground was expanding by half a meter a day.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentHalf a meter a day. The ground was doing pregame stretches.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistIt's file footage, mind. Not the actual fountain, but the same kind of thing.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentRoll it. Here comes the kickoff, bright lava fountain straight up!
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistGlowing stuff cascading down the slope. That's proper.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentWatch the flame on top, that is elite.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistRun it back.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentGlow's fading to dark rock. Handshake line, bro. Viral Score, nine: the ground stretched first, like a professional.