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Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
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Kilauea

Note: Check Photo Glossary or a good dictionary for any terms unfamiliar to you.

Current Deformation

Map of selected deformation stations
Map showing location of deformation stations

Electronic Tiltmeter

Graph of tilt at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter stations, Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i

This graph shows the radial tilt at Uwekahuna (UWE), on the northwest rim of Kilauea's caldera, and at Pu`u `O`o cone (POC), on the northwest flank of the active vent along the east rift zone, as recorded by continuously operating electronic tiltmeters. Positive changes indicate inflation of the magma storage areas beneath the caldera or Pu`u `O`o. Data are shown for a one-week period. The graph is refreshed approximately twice per hour. The Y-axis is in microradians, an angular measure in parts per million; for example, one microradian represents the tilt of a 1-km-long bar, one end of which is lifted up or down 1 mm.

 

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Graph showing displacement between UWEV and AHUP GPS stations, Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i

This graph shows the change in distance between two Global Positioning System (GPS) stations located on opposite ides of Kilauea's caldera. A rapid increase in distance can be interpreted as inflation of the summit magma reservoir. The graph is refreshed once per day.

  For more information on how electronic tiltmeters and GPS receivers help monitor the deformation of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, see a summary of the inflation-deflation of magma chambers.  

Eruption-viewing opportunities change constantly, so refer to this page often. Those readers planning a visit to Kilauea or Mauna Loa volcanoes can get much useful information from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.


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The URL of this page is http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/deformation.html/
Contact: hvowebmaster@usgs.gov
Updated: 1 Oct 2008 (pnf)