Recent Kilauea Status Reports, Updates, and Information Releases
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 7:58 AM HST (Tuesday, May 5, 2009 17:58 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.
KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Activity Summary for past 24 hours: Glow from the Halema`uma`u vent was again bright. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents probably remain elevated but wind and sky conditions are not sufficient for new measurements.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Bright glow from the summit vent was recorded for a third night last night by both webcams pointed at it (see our new "Webcams" link at hvo.wr.usgs.gov). Ash production increased significantly compared to the last few days, but is still small; of the two components that usually make up tephra from this vent (glassy spatter and rock dust), the increase was mostly in glassy spatter consistent with a molten lava surface closer to, but still well below, the Halema`uma`u Crater floor. Gas-rushing and rockfall sounds were loud during the morning tephra collection routine.
Weak winds are again creating hazy conditions at the summit; the gas plume is rising high and swinging from WNW to SW in this morning's GOES-WEST images. Sulfur dioxide emission rates probably remain elevated and variable. Recent wind and sky conditions have not been suitable for emission rate measurements; the most recent rate measurement was 700 tonnes/day on April 15, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day.
Summit tremor levels have been variable but never exceeding moderate values. One earthquake was located beneath the summit caldera; two earthquakes were located on south flank faults; two deep earthquakes were located beneath the lower southwest rift zone. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes are still within background levels.
The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded no significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measurements have been stymied by poor wind conditions; the most recent measurement was 1,900 tonnes/day measured on April 14, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence was recorded within the crater or from the TEB vents overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded weak deflation. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1.5 cm of contraction over the past month and more than 5 cm over the past 3 months; while probably temporary, no contraction has been measured since April 27. Seismic tremor levels near the eruptive vents are low and steady.
Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Last night, CD officials reported two active entries with visible glow but rare explosions; no glow was seen on the pali or the coastal plain. No GOES-WEST thermal anomalies overnight is consistent with no active surface flows on the coastal plain. This morning, CD officials report two plumes rising and conditions look good for viewing
HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.
Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.
A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/
A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Monday, May 4, 2009 7:56 AM HST (Monday, May 4, 2009 17:56 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.
KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Activity Summary for past 24 hours: Glow from the Halema`uma`u vent was unusually bright for the second night. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents probably remain elevated but wind and sky conditions have prevented recent measurements.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Unusually bright glow from the summit vent was recorded for a second night last night by both webcams pointed at it (see our new "Webcams" link at hvo.wr.usgs.gov) as well as by weak thermal anomalies in GOES-WEST satellite images. Ash production continued to be light. Gas-rushing and rockfall sounds were loud during the morning tephra collection routine.
Weak winds are again creating slightly hazy conditions at the summit; the gas plume is rising about 300 m (1,000 ft) and moving to the west in this morning's GOES-WEST images. Sulfur dioxide emission rates probably remain elevated and variable. Recent wind and sky conditions have not been suitable for emission rate measurements; the most recent rate measurement was 700 tonnes/day on April 15, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day.
Summit tremor levels have increased to May 2 values starting with two tremor bursts at about 6:20 pm and 7:50 pm followed by a sustained increase starting at 9:15 pm. Five earthquakes were located beneath the summit caldera ; one earthquake was located on south flank faults. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes have been increasing slowly but are still within background levels.
The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded weak deflation. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measurements have been stymied by poor wind conditions; the most recent measurement was 1,900 tonnes/day measured on April 14, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. GOES-WEST images show the Pu`u `O`o gas plume moving to the southwest this morning. No incandescence was recorded within the crater or from the TEB vents overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant tilting since April 27. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1.5 cm of contraction over the past month and more than 5 cm over the past 3 months; while probably temporary, no contraction has been measured since April 27. Seismic tremor levels near the eruptive vents are low and steady.
Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. This morning, GOES-WEST imagery shows a steam/gas plume moving southwest offshore from the ocean entries.
HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.
Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.
A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/
A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Sunday, May 3, 2009 8:20 AM HST (Sunday, May 3, 2009 18:20 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.
KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Activity Summary for past 24 hours: For a few hours early this morning, lava apparently moved to a shallower level within the summit vent and conduit producing the brightest glow in over a month before retreating to greater depths. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents probably remain elevated but wind and sky conditions have prevented recent measurements.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Unusually bright glow from the summit vent was recorded last night between 1:45 am and 3 am by both webcams pointed at it (see our new "Webcams" link at hvo.wr.usgs.gov) as well as the GOES-WEST satellite (in thermal images); this is the brightest glow recorded since March 29 and suggests that the ever present molten lava surface moved upward within the conduit below the Crater floor during that time interval.
Weak winds are again creating hazy conditions at the summit. Sulfur dioxide emission rates probably remain elevated and variable. Recent wind and sky conditions have not been suitable for emission rate measurements; the most recent rate measurement was 700 tonnes/day on April 15, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day.
Summit tremor levels remain at moderate values with a 40 percent drop that lasted a few minutes at about 1:45 am that accompanied the start of bright vent glow; this was followed by a similar decrease between 2 and 4 am. Three earthquakes were located beneath the summit caldera between 11 am and 1:15 pm yesterday; four earthquakes were located on south flank faults. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were within background levels.
The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded no significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measurements have been stymied by poor wind conditions; the most recent measurement was 1,900 tonnes/day measured on April 14, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence was recorded within the crater or from the TEB vents overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant tilting since April 27. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1.5 cm of contraction over the past month and more than 5 cm over the past 3 months; while probably temporary, no contraction has been measured since April 27. Seismic tremor levels near the eruptive vents are low and steady.
Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Yesterday morning, CD officials reported beautiful clear skies and good views of both plumes. Yesterday afternoon, CD officials reported occasional explosions at Waikupanaha which ejected black cinders into the plume; the explosions continued into the evening. No glow was seen on the flow field suggesting continued absence of active surface flows. This morning, CD officials report no visibility due to a wind change that brings the plumes toward Kalapana.
HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.
Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.
A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/
A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Saturday, May 2, 2009 7:07 AM HST (Saturday, May 2, 2009 17:07 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.
KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Activity Summary for past 24 hours: There were no significant changes. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Distinct glow from the summit vent, dimmer than nights earlier this past week, was recorded last night by a webcam directly over the vent (see our new "Webcams" link at hvo.wr.usgs.gov); this suggests that a molten lava surface has moved downward or has become partially crusted within the conduit below the Crater floor.
Continuing light winds this morning allow the plume to rise vertically about 600 m (2,000 ft) above the Halema`uma`u Crater rim before flattening and moving to the southwest through some of the clearest skies we've had in while (confirmed by GOES-WEST 6:30 am image). Sulfur dioxide concentrations reached unhealthy levels this morning at Jaggar Museum (check http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/hvo/so2/havoalert.php)
Sulfur dioxide emission rates probably remain elevated and variable. Recent wind and sky conditions are not suitable for emission rate measurements; the most recent rate measurement was 700 tonnes/day on April 15, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day.
Summit tremor levels remain at moderate values. Three earthquakes were located on south flank faults. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were within background levels.
The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded no significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measurements have been stymied by poor wind conditions; the most recent measurement was 1,900 tonnes/day measured on April 14, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence was recorded within the crater or from the TEB vents overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant tilting since April 27. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1.5 cm of contraction over the past month and more than 5 cm over the past 3 months; while probably temporary, no contraction has been measured since April 27. Seismic tremor levels near the eruptive vents are low and steady.
Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. MODIS imagery of a coastal plume confirmed ongoing lava entry into the ocean yesterday morning. GOES-WEST imagery recorded subtle thermal anomalies on the coastal plain overnight suggesting weak to no surface flow activity.
HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.
Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.
A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/
A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Friday, May 1, 2009 8:16 AM HST (Friday, May 1, 2009 18:16 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.
KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Activity Summary for past 24 hours: There were no significant changes. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Distinct glow from the summit vent, weaker than the previous night, was recorded last night by a webcam directly over the vent (see our new "Webcams" link at hvo.wr.usgs.gov); this suggests that a molten lava surface has moved downward or has partially crusted over within the conduit below the Crater floor.
Continuing light winds this morning allow the plume to rise nearly vertically above the Halema`uma`u Crater rim before disappearing into low clouds and/or vog/haze. Tephra deposition was very light. Gas-rushing sounds were continuous but weaker than yesterday during the morning tephra collection routine.
Sulfur dioxide emission rates probably remain elevated and variable. Current wind conditions are not suitable for emission rate measurements, the most recent of which was 700 tonnes/day on April 15, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day.
Summit tremor levels remain at moderate values. Two earthquakes were located beneath Kilauea summit caldera and two were located on south flank faults. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were within background levels.
The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded no significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measurements have been stymied by poor wind conditions; the most recent measurement was 1,900 tonnes/day measured on April 14, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence was recorded within the crater or from the TEB vents overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant tilting. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1.5 cm of contraction over the past month and more than 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels near the eruptive vents are low and steady.
Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. GOES-WEST imagery recorded no thermal anomalies on the coastal plain suggesting weak to no surface flow activity.
HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.
Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.
A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/
A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Thursday, April 30, 2009 7:26 AM HST (Thursday, April 30, 2009 17:26 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.
KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Activity Summary for past 24 hours: There were no significant changes. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Distinct glow from the summit vent was recorded through the night by a webcam directly over the vent (see our new "Webcams" link at hvo.wr.usgs.gov) suggesting that lava moved upward or became uncovered within the conduit below the Crater floor.
Continuing light winds this morning allow the plume to rise nearly vertically about 600 m (2,000 ft) above the Halema`uma`u Crater rim before disappearing into low clouds or haze. Tephra deposition continues to be light but, unlike yesterday, consisted mostly of fresh spatter bits. Gas-rushing sounds were strong and continuous during the morning tephra collection routine.
Sulfur dioxide emission rates probably remain elevated and variable. Current wind conditions are not suitable for emission rate measurements, the most recent of which was 700 tonnes/day on April 15, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day.
Summit tremor levels remain at moderate values. Only one earthquake was located beneath Kilauea summit caldera and three were located on south flank faults. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes increased to values slightly above background.
The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded no significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measurements have been stymied by poor wind conditions; the most recent measurement was 1,900 tonnes/day measured on April 14, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence was recorded within the crater or from the TEB vents overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded possible weak inflation. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1.5 cm of contraction over the past month and more than 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels near the eruptive vents are low and steady.
Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Midday yesterday, HVO geologists reported that both entries were active with continued growth of the Kupapa`u bench; no active surface flows were noted on the coastal plain, in agreement with the lack of GOES-WEST thermal anomalies. The County Viewing Area was closed yesterday evening due to unfavorable winds but the CD crew confirmed continuation of activity at the ocean entries yesterday evening and this morning.
HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.
Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.
A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/
A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:43 AM HST (Wednesday, April 29, 2009 17:43 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093.
KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Activity Summary for past 24 hours: Seismic tremor and summit earthquakes increased starting at midnight along with glow from the Halema`uma`u vent after 3 am suggesting the return of a lava surface deep below the Halema`uma`u Crater floor. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Distinct glow from the summit vent was recorded beginning around 3 am this morning by a webcam directly over the vent (see our new "Webcams" link at hvo.wr.usgs.gov for that and other live camera views of Kilauea and Mauna Loa) suggesting that lava moved upward or became uncovered but is still deep within the conduit below the Crater floor; the increased glow came immediately after an increase in the number of earthquakes below the south caldera.
Light winds this morning allow the plume to rise nearly vertically about 600 m (2,000 ft) above the Halema`uma`u Crater rim before disappearing into low clouds or haze. Tephra deposition was still light but this morning consisted mostly of rock dust with little fresh spatter bits. Gas-rushing sounds were strong and continuous during the morning tephra collection routine.
Sulfur dioxide emission rates probably remain elevated and variable. Current wind conditions are not suitable for emission rate measurements, the most recent of which was 700 tonnes/day on April 15, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day.
Summit tremor levels began increasing at 3 am after a flurry of earthquakes started just after midnight. Seventeen earthquakes were located beneath Kilauea summit and caldera. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes increased to values slightly above background.
The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded no significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measurements have been stymied by poor wind conditions; the most recent measurement was 1,900 tonnes/day measured on April 14, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence was recorded within the crater or from the TEB vents overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded weak deflation. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1.5 cm of contraction over the past month and more than 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels near the eruptive vents are low and steady.
Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Yesterday afternoon, HVO geologists reported narrow lava streams entering the ocean at both entries with robust steam/gas plumes rising toward the east; no active surface flows were noted. CD officials reported business as usual with the two entries but westerly winds forced a closure of the County Viewing Area last night. This morning, winds are still from the west making it difficult to see entry activity from a distance.
HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.
Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.
A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/
A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.
