(1) VOLCANO OBSERVATORY NOTICE FOR AVIATION (VONA)
(2) Issued:(20110308/0413Z)
(3) Volcano:Kilauea (CAVW# 1302-01-)
(4) Current Color Code:ORANGE
(5) Previous Color Code:red
(6) Source:Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
(7) Notice Number:2011/H2
(8) Volcano Location:N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
(9) Area:HI Hawaii and Pacific Ocean
(10) Summit Elevation:4091 ft (1247 m)
(11) Volcanic Activity Summary:The eruption on Kīlauea volcano's east rift zone continues this afternoon with intermittent activity at alternating locations along a 2.3 km long fissure located between Pu'u 'Ō'ō and Nāpau Crater. During active periods, effusion rates are high, with lava spatter reaching up to 30 m high.

East rift zone gas emissions are significantly elevated above the 300 tonnes/day measured during the past several months and as recently as March 5, prior to the fissure eruption. Gas measurements on March 6 show an average SO2 emission rate of 10,000 tonnes/day, the highest measured on the east rift zone since an eruptive surge in July 2008 produced an emission rate of 7,000 tonnes/day. Summit SO2 emissions on March 6 were around 600 tonnes/day.

The TEB eruption system downrift (ENE) of Pu'u 'Ō'ō appears to have shut down. During today's overflight of the flow field, no active lava flows were observed on the pali or coastal plain.

Seismicity remains significantly elevated at both Kīlauea's summit and east rift zone.

Deflation appears to be slowing at the summit and east rift zone.

At Kīlauea's summit, the lava lake within the Halema'uma'u Crater vent is about 200 m deep, based on visual estimates. A rockfall within the vent at 2:23 p.m. HST today produced a vigorous dusty brown plume.
(12) Volcanic cloud height:Unknown
(13) Other volcanic cloud information:Unknown
(14) Contacts:HVO media contact
askHVO@usgs.gov
(15) Next Notice:A new VONA will be issued if conditions change significantly or alert levels are modified. While a VONA is in effect, regularly scheduled updates are posted at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov