Recent Kilauea Status Reports, Updates, and Information Releases
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Thursday, August 13, 2009 9:02 AM HST (Thursday, August 13, 2009 19:02 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 was glow in the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent last night; sulfur dioxide emission rates from Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents were elevated; lava from the TEB vent, on the east rift zone, flows through tubes to the Waikupanaha ocean entry west of Kalapana.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Glow from the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent was visible overnight and a new, brightly incandescent hole has appeared on the floor of the vent. Nearly-continuous gas rushing sounds were also heard but no lava was visible. Tephra production remains low and most of it is rock dust.
The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement on August 10 was an astounding 2050 tonnes/day. This is way above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day.
The network of tiltmeters around the summit recorded the switch from deflation to inflation at about noon yesterday. The DI event is now over, but inflation continues this morning at a very low rate. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) has recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera since early June.
Seismic tremor decreased with the switch from deflation to inflation but remains elevated. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes is just below background values. Nine earthquakes were located in the summit region.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vent and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from the TEB vent 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 775 tonnes/day on August 10, compared to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No glow was recorded within Pu`u `O`o crater or from the TEB vent overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o mimicked the summit tiltmeters, recording the switch from deflation to inflation yesterday afternoon. Inflation has since slowed and now appears to be flat. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels are low and relatively steady.
Lava from the TEB vent flows through tubes to the coast and enters the ocean at Waikupanaha. The DI event disrupted the lava supply through the tube yesterday, and no surface flows were visible last night. GOES-WEST imagery recorded a weak thermal anomaly this morning suggesting that surface flows may have reactivated.
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://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/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/activity/alertsystem/index.php
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, August 12, 2009 7:04 AM HST (Wednesday, August 12, 2009 17:04 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 was weak glow in the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent last night; sulfur dioxide emission rates from Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents were elevated; lava from the TEB vent, on the east rift zone, flows through tubes to the Waikupanaha ocean entry west of Kalapana; surface flows are active on the pali.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Glow from the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent was visible overnight and was slightly brighter during this morning's ash collection. Nearly continuous gas rushing sounds were also heard but no lava was visible. Tephra production remains low, and some particles were small hairs and spherules that appeared to be fresh.
The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement on August 10 was 1250 tonnes/day. This is well above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day.
The network of tiltmeters around the summit recorded rapid deflation, starting about 2:30 pm yesterday, signalling the onset of a deflation-inflation cycle (DI event). Deflation continues this morning. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera since early June.
Seismic tremor is elevated and has increased slightly with the ongoing deflation. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes is below background values. Three earthquakes were located beneath the summit caldera and one was located beneath south flank faults.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vent and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from the TEB vent 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,050 tonnes/day on August 7, compared to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No glow was recorded within Pu`u `O`o crater or from the TEB vent overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded the onset of DI deflation late yesterday afternoon. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels are low and relatively steady.
Lava from the TEB vent flows through tubes to the coast and enters the ocean at Waikupanaha. Surface flows have been active in the Royal Gardens area for the past several days. Surface flow activity may have diminished with the ongoing DI event, but GOES-WEST imagery recorded a weak thermal anomaly overnight suggesting that at least some of the surface flows continue 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://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/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/activity/alertsystem/index.php
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
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 7:03 AM HST (Tuesday, August 11, 2009 17:03 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 was weak glow in the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent last night; sulfur dioxide emission rates from Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents were elevated; lava from the TEB vent, on the east rift zone, flows through tubes to the Waikupanaha ocean entry west of Kalapana; surface flows are active on the pali.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Weak glow was visible again from within the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent. Views yesterday with a thermal camera showed gas rushing from a hole at the bottom of the collapse crater that forms the upper part of the vent. No lava was visible. The glow was accompanied by sporadic gas rushing noises during this morning's ash collection. Tephra production remains low, though, and is mostly characterized by ash-sized rock dust. Despite the reappearance of glow, none of the ash appeared to be obviously fresh. The plume from the vent is rising above the rim of Halema`uma`u and blowing toward the southeast.
The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement on August 10 was 1250 tonnes/day. This is well above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day.
The network of tiltmeters around the summit recorded no significant change over the past day. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera since the brief extensional episode in early June.
The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes is below background values. Five small earthquakes were located beneath south flank faults.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vent and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from the TEB vent 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,050 tonnes/day on August 7, compared to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No glow was recorded within Pu`u `O`o crater or from the TEB vent overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant change over the past day. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels are low and relatively steady.
Lava from the TEB vent flows through tubes to the coast and enters the ocean at Waikupanaha. Surface flows have been active in the Royal Gardens area for the past several days. GOES-WEST imagery recorded a thermal anomaly overnight suggesting that the surface flows continue 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://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/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/activity/alertsystem/index.php
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, August 10, 2009 7:04 AM HST (Monday, August 10, 2009 17:04 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 was weak glow in the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent last night; sulfur dioxide emission rates from Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents were elevated; lava from the TEB vent, on the east rift zone, flows through tubes to the Waikupanaha ocean entry west of Kalapana; surface flows are active on the pali.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: After weeks of darkness, a Webcam recorded weak glow last night within the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent. The feeble glow was also visible during this morning's ash collection and was accompanied by sporadic gas rushing noises. Tephra production remains low and is characterized by ash-sized rock dust. Despite the reappearance of glow, none of the ash appeared to be obviously fresh. The plume, robust and white at sunrise, is blowing toward the southwest.
The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement on August 7 was 1800 tonnes/day. This is well above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day, and the highest rate recorded since last February.
The network of tiltmeters around the summit recorded no significant change over the past day. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera since the brief extensional episode in early June.
The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes is below background values. One small earthquakes was located beneath south flank faults, and one was located beneath the summit area.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vent and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from the TEB vent 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,050 tonnes/day on August 7, compared to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No glow was recorded within Pu`u `O`o crater or from the TEB vent overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o again recorded weak inflation over the past day. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels are low and relatively steady.
Lava from the TEB vent flows through tubes to the coast and enters the ocean at Waikupanaha. Surface flows were active low on the east and west sides of the TEB flow field on the pali last night, the western area burning through vegetation. GOES-WEST imagery recorded a thermal anomaly overnight, suggesting that surface flows in the Royal Gardens area continue 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://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/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/activity/alertsystem/index.php
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, August 9, 2009 8:27 AM HST (Sunday, August 9, 2009 18:27 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: The Halema`uma`u Overlook vent remained dark; sulfur dioxide emission rates from Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents were elevated; lava from the TEB vent, on the east rift zone, flows through tubes to the Waikupanaha ocean entry west of Kalapana; surface flows are active on the pali.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: No lava or glow has been visible within the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent since the July 4 DI event. This morning, the plume, opaque and white, is blowing toward the southwest. Tephra production by the vent has been very low over the past several weeks, mostly characterized by ash-sized rock dust from small wall collapses in the vent.
The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement on August 7 was 1800 tonnes/day. This is well above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day, and the highest rate recorded since last February.
The network of tiltmeters around the summit recorded continued slow inflation over the past day. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera since the brief extensional episode in early June.
The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes is at low values. Two small earthquakes were located beneath south flank faults, with one small earthquake beneath the summit.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vent and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from the TEB vent 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,025 tonnes/day on August 4, compared to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No glow was recorded within Pu`u `O`o crater or from the TEB vent overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o again recorded inflation over the past day, but this might be related to rainfall. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels are low and relatively steady.
Lava from the TEB vent flows through tubes to the coast and enters the ocean at Waikupanaha. Surface flows have been active on the pali over the past few days, and GOES-WEST imagery recorded a thermal anomaly overnight, suggesting that surface flows in the Royal Gardens area continue 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://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/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/activity/alertsystem/index.php
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, August 8, 2009 7:35 AM HST (Saturday, August 8, 2009 17:35 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: The Halema`uma`u Overlook vent remained dark; sulfur dioxide emission rates from Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents were elevated; lava from the TEB vent, on the east rift zone, flows through tubes to the Waikupanaha ocean entry west of Kalapana; surface flows are active on the pali.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: No lava or glow has been visible within the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent since the July 4 DI event. This morning, the plume, opaque and white, is blowing toward the southwest. Tephra production by the vent has been very low over the past several weeks, mostly characterized by ash-sized rock dust from small wall collapses in the vent.
The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement on August 7 was 1800 tonnes/day. This is well above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day, and the highest rate recorded since last February.
The network of tiltmeters around the summit recorded slow inflation starting yesterday afternoon. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera since the brief extensional episode in early June.
The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes increased over the past few days and is above background values. Five small earthquakes were located beneath south flank faults and are probably aftershocks related to the magnitude-3.0 earthquake on August 6. No easrthquakes were located beneath the summit caldera.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vent and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from the TEB vent 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,025 tonnes/day on August 4, compared to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No glow was recorded within Pu`u `O`o crater or from the TEB vent overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded slow inflation, but this might be related to rainfall. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels are low and relatively steady.
Lava from the TEB vent flows through tubes to the coast and enters the ocean at Waikupanaha. Surface flows were active on the pali yesterday, and GOES-WEST imagery recorded a thermal anomaly overnight, suggesting that surface flows in the Royal Gardens area continue 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://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/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/activity/alertsystem/index.php
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, August 7, 2009 6:50 AM HST (Friday, August 7, 2009 16:50 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: The Halema`uma`u Overlook vent remained dark; sulfur dioxide emission rates from Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents were elevated; lava from the TEB vent, on the east rift zone, flows through tubes to the Waikupanaha ocean entry west of Kalapana; surface flows are active on the pali.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: No lava or glow has been visible within the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent since the July 4 DI event. This morning, the plume is small and lazy and is blowing toward the southwest. Frequent rock falls were heard at the vent during this morning's ash collection, which recovered very little ash. Tephra production by the vent has been very low over the past several weeks, mostly characterized by ash-sized rock dust from small wall collapses in the vent.
The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement on August 4 was 700 tonnes/day. This is well above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day.
The network of tiltmeters around the summit recorded DI inflation through the day yesterday, and inflation has now leveled off. Seismic tremor remains elevated. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera since the brief extensional episode in early June.
The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes is low. A magnitude-3.0 earthquake occurred at 8:39 pm last night on Kilauea's south flank faults just north of Halape.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vent and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from the TEB vent 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,025 tonnes/day on August 4, compared to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No glow was recorded within Pu`u `O`o crater or from the TEB vent overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded slow inflation. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels are low and relatively steady.
Lava from the TEB vent is flowing through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha. Surface flows were active on the pali yesterday, and GOES-WEST imagery recorded a thermal anomaly overnight, indicating that surface flows in the Royal Gardens area continue 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://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/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/activity/alertsystem/index.php
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, August 6, 2009 7:16 AM HST (Thursday, August 6, 2009 17:16 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: The Halema`uma`u Overlook vent remained dark; sulfur dioxide emission rates from Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents were elevated; lava from the TEB vent, on the east rift zone, flows through tubes to the Waikupanaha ocean entry west of Kalapana; surface flows are active on the pali.
Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: No lava or glow has been visible within the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent since the July 4 DI event. This morning, the plume is small and lazy and is blowing toward the southwest. Tephra production by the vent has been very low over the past several weeks, mostly characterized by ash-sized rock dust from small wall collapses in the vent. Rock falls were heard at the vent yesterday and during this morning's ash collection.
The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement on August 4 was 700 tonnes/day. This is well above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day.
The network of tiltmeters around the summit recorded the start of a DI event, characterized by rapid deflation, starting at about 1 pm yesterday. There was a corresponding increase in seismic tremor as well. Deflation continues this morning. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera since the brief extensional episode in early June.
The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes is low. One earthquake was located beneath south flank faults, and one was located on the upper east rift zone.
Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vent and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from the TEB vent 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,025 tonnes/day on August 4, compared to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No glow was recorded within Pu`u `O`o crater or from the TEB vent overnight.
The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded slow inflation. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 4 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels are low and relatively steady.
Lava from the TEB vent is flowing through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha. GOES-WEST imagery recorded a thermal anomaly overnight, indicating that surface flows in the Royal Gardens area continue this morning. However, it is likely that surface flow and ocean entry activity with diminish over the next few days in response to the DI event.
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://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/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/activity/alertsystem/index.php
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.
