U.S. Geological Survey - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

How Hawaiian Volcanoes Work

Much of the present research on Hawaiian volcanoes is directed toward understanding how they work. Through interdisciplinary study of their geologic histories and structure, the geochemistry of their gases and erupted lavas, their historical eruptions, and their seismicity, HVO scientists and colleagues try to answer questions about the physical and chemical dynamics of magma formation, accumulation, ascent, storage, intrusion, eruption, structural evolution, and volcanic hazards.

Below we describe a few results of work on Hawai`i's volcanoes.

Deformation of summit calderas

• Ongoing Subsidence of Kilauea Volcano
• Simplified Inflation-Deflation Cycle at the Summit of Kilauea Volcano

Creation of new land and associated hazards

• Explosive interaction between lava and seawater
• Lava builds new land into the sea and collapses
• Water Temperatures Where Lava Enters the Ocean