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Recent Status Report, Updates, and Information Releases
Kilauea
Information Release issued Jun 20, 2007 12:36 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):
Activity at Kilauea Volcano has not changed significantly at the summit or east
rift zone since 6 a.m. The summit shows only slight inflation; the tremor
levels continue to decrease. Fewer than about 10 small earthquakes per hour are
being recorded in the upper east rift zone, and the tremor levels have
decreased slowly since Tuesday afternoon; only two earthquakes were large
enough to locate. Occasional bursts of tremor continue to occur in the Kane Nui
o Hamo area.
The webcam on the rim of Pu`u `O`o crater is showing only steam beyond the
crater rim. A tiltmeter continues to indicate steady collapse of the cone. No
views were possible during this morning's overflight due to intense steam.
HVO has scheduled another overflight for this afternoon, and continues to
monitor the situation closely. Gas measurements were made but were not yet
reduced by update time. Weather permitting, additional gas measurements will be
made at the summit and along the east rift zone later today.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 20, 2007 06:59 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):
Activity at Kilauea Volcano has not changed significantly at the summit or east
rift zone since midnight. The summit shows only slight inflation and slightly
lower levels of tremor. Fewer than about 10 small earthquakes per hour are
being recorded in the upper east rift zone, and the tremor levels have
decreased slowly since Tuesday afternoon; only five earthquakes have been large
enough to locate. Occasional bursts of tremor continue to occur. New ground
cracks were discovered yesterday afternoon in an area west of Mauna Ulu,
enlarging the known area of cracking; this is consistent with the measured rift
extension over the last three days.
The webcam on the rim of Pu`u `O`o crater is not showing any visible glow; as
the sun comes up, only steam is visible beyond the crater rim. A tiltmeter
continues to indicate steady deflation of the cone. During Tuesday morning’s
overflight, limited views of the crater floor and southwest flank indicate they
have subsided even more than was observed on Monday.
HVO has scheduled another overflight for this morning, and continues to monitor
the situation closely. Weather permitting, additional gas measurements will be
made at the summit and along the east rift zone later today.
Kilauea
Information Release issued Jun 20, 2007 09:11 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
News
Release
June 19, 2007 7:00 p.m. Jim Kauahikaua (808) 967-7328 jimk@usgs.gov
Hazardous Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations Measured at Kīlauea Volcano
Today, HVO scientists measured concentrations greater than 10 ppm in a broad
area adjacent to Halema‘uma‘u crater. Sulfur Dioxide gas
is persistently emitted at Kīlauea’s summit.
Typical concentrations are generally negligible except for areas downwind of
Halema‘uma‘u
crater, where they can get up to 2.5 ppm (parts-per-million) in narrow zones.
When sulfur dioxide concentrations greater than 1 ppm (equal to 1,000 parts per
billion) are measured at the Jaggar museum or at the Kīlauea Visitor’s Center,
the buildings are
closed and employees and visitors are advised to relocate to areas with cleaner
air. See
http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm .
High sulfur dioxide concentrations have been blamed for several fatalities at
other volcanoes; many of the victims had a history of asthma. The International
Volcanic Health Hazard Network has compiled several studies indicating that
10-15 ppm concentrations of sulfur dioxide is a threshold of toxicity for
prolonged exposure (http://www.esc.cam.ac.uk/ivhhn/guidelines/gas/so2.html).
HVO crews will continue to monitor the situation closely.
HVO will post updates at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/hvostatus.php.
USGS provides science for a changing world. For more information, visit
www.usgs.gov.
Subscribe to USGS News Releases via our electronic mailing list
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Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 20, 2007 00:39 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):
Activity at Kilauea Volcano has not changed significantly at the summit or east
rift zone during the past 6 hours. The summit shows only slight inflation and
slightly lower levels of tremor. Fewer than about 10 small earthquakes per hour
are being recorded in the upper east rift zone, and the tremor levels have
decreased slowly since Tuesday afternoon. GPS receivers in the vicinity of
Makaopuhi crater and Kane Nui o Hamo are recording little to no widening across
the rift zone.
The webcam on the rim of Pu`u `O`o crater is not showing any visible glow. A
tiltmeter continues to indicate steady deflation of the cone. During Tuesday
morning’s overflight, limited views of the
crater floor and southwest flank indicate they have subsided even more than was
observed on Monday.
HVO has scheduled another overflight for this morning, and continues to monitor
the situation closely. Weather permitting, additional gas measurements will be
made at the summit and along the east rift zone later today.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 19, 2007 17:36 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):
Seismic tremor levels at Kane Nui o Hamo are currently elevated to the same
intensity reached briefly this morning that is associated with the end of the
episode 56 eruption. Since 1 p.m. today, earthquakes in the area were occurring
at rates near 10/hour, up from the 3-4/hr between midnight and 1 p.m. No
changes are visible at the surface in the area. At 3:38 p.m., a magnitude-2.9
earthquake occurred beneath Koko`olau crater on the uppermost part of Kilauea's
east rift zone.
At Kilauea summit, no to slow inflation continues. Seismic tremor levels,
indicative of subsurface magma movement, continue to decrease. GPS receivers in
the vicinity of Makaopuhi crater and Kane Nui o Hamo are recording continuing
extension (widening), which has slowed significantly since yesterday. At this
location, the rift zone is now nearly 100 cm (39 inches - thanks Peter) wider.
HVO has scheduled another overflight tomorrow morning. We continue to monitor
the situation closely.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 19, 2007 14:32 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):
Field crews have returned from this morning's overflight to report more details
on the Episode 56 outbreak. The fissure that erupted lava was about 200 m (600
feet) long. The erupted lava extended only about 50 m (150 feet) from the
fissure. When the crew arrived at 6:45 a.m. this morning, the flows were still
moving sluggishly and the fissure was emitting heavy smoke and steam. By the
time they left at 11:00, the flow had stopped and the smoke and steam had
decreased significantly. We continue to record intermittent seismic tremor and
earthquakes in the area.
At Kilauea summit, two days of deflation have turned into inflation. Seismic
tremor levels, indicative of subsurface magma movement, continue to decrease.
GPS receivers in the vicinity of Makaopuhi crater and Kane Nui o Hamo are
recording continuing extension (widening), which has slowed significantly since
yesterday. At this location, the rift zone is now nearly 100 cm (33 inches)
wider.
Pu`u `O`o vent continues to collapse. Views into the crater this morning were
difficult due to extensive steaming. From a few glimpses, HVO observers could
see that the crater floor continues to collapse from yesterday and that several
chunks of the cone itself collapsed on the west side.
HVO has scheduled another overflight tomorrow morning. We continue to monitor
the situation closely.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 19, 2007 09:35 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):
New Lava outbreak in Upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano
The intrusion of magma that was signaled by a swarm of earthquakes and rift
zone widening over the last two days has finally made it to the surface. Early
this morning, HVO scientists confirmed that a small outbreak of lava had oozed
from a 250 m long fissure in the forest northeast of Kane Nui o Hamo,
approximately 6 km west of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and 13 km southeast of Kīlauea
summit. In addition, steam was issuing profusely from a spot high on the north
flank of Kane Nui o Hamo. This event will be called Episode 56 of the ongoing
eruption.
When observed at about 7 a.m., the lava was cooling and not advancing. Steam
and gas were issuing from the fissure. The outbreak appeared to be a short one
that had been over for at least a few hours by the time it was seen this
morning. This may be related to the abrupt eastward migration of earthquake
epicenters into this area noted between 3:45 and 5 p.m. yesterday. Small
earthquakes continue to occur in the area at low levels.
The crater of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent was shrouded in steam this
morning and no views were visible. No incandescence was seen in the webcam
overnight. No active surface flows were seen anywhere on the flow field. The
only molten lava seen was a small stream dribbling into the ocean at Poupou that
that may be draining from the Campout tube system. Gas emission measurements
yesterday confirmed that the activity level at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō has decreased significantly.
Kīlauea summit continues to deflate, although at decreasing rates. Seismic
tremor levels, indicative of subsurface magma movement, also decreased
overnight. GPS receivers in the vicinity of Makaopuhi crater and Kane Nui o
Hamo continue to record extension across the rift zone; preliminary data
indicate total widening of nearly 95 cm (37 inches).
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 19, 2007 03:59 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
(HVO):
The earthquake swarm in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano that
started early Sunday morning, June 17, is continuing. Tremor at the summit area
remains strong. The earthquake activity between Makaopuhi and Napau craters,
farther east than where the earthquakes began, has slowed significantly in the
past 12 hours.
Tiltmeters in the summit area continue to show deflation, but at slowly
declining rates. A tiltmeter on Pu`u `O`o is recording steady deflation. GPS
receivers in the vicinity of Makaopuhi crater continue to record extension
across the rift zone; preliminary data indicate total widening of nearly 90 cm
(35 inches).
All data indicate that an intrusion of magma started at shallow levels in the
Mauna Ulu area early on June 17. The intrusion has moved eastward about 6 km
(3.8 miles) along the rift zone during the ongoing activity.
No incandescence is visible on the Crater cam views of the Pu`u `O`o crater. A
large area of the crater floor has subsided by about 20 meters since the
earthquake activity began early Sunday morning, and no active surface lava
flows were visible between Pu`u `O`o and the ocean on Monday. This strongly
suggests that activity at Pu`u `O`o has decreased substantially in response to
the intrusion.
An overflight of Pu`u `O`o and the surrounding area is scheduled for early
Tuesday morning. HVO staff continues to monitor the volcano closely.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 19, 2007 00:43 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
(HVO):
The earthquake swarm in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano that
started early Sunday morning, June 17, is continuing. Tremor at the summit area
remains strong. The earthquake activity between Makaopuhi and Napau craters,
farther east than where the earthquakes began, has slowed significantly in the
past 8 hours.
Tiltmeters in the summit area continue to show deflation, but at slowly
declining rates. A tiltmeter on Pu`u `O`o is recording steady deflation. GPS
receivers in the vicinity of Makaopuhi crater continue to record extension
across the rift zone.
All data indicate that an intrusion of magma started at shallow levels in the
Mauna Ulu area early on June 17. The intrusion has moved eastward about 6 km
(3.8 miles) along the rift zone during the ongoing activity.
No incandescence is visible on the Crater cam views of the Pu`u `O`o crater. A
large area of the crater floor has subsided by about 20 meters since the
earthquake activity began early Sunday morning, and no active surface lava
flows were visible between Pu`u `O`o and the ocean on Monday. This strongly
suggests that activity at Pu`u `O`o has decreased substantially in response to
the ongoing magma intrusion.
An overflight of Pu`u `O`o and the surrounding area is scheduled for early
Tuesday morning. HVO staff continues to monitor the volcano closely.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 18, 2007 21:09 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Earthquake Swarm Beneath Kīlauea’s Upper
East Rift Zone Continues
The earthquake swarm in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea that started
early Sunday morning, June 17, is continuing. From midnight to 3:45 p.m. on
June 18, HVO located about 3 earthquakes greater than magnitude-1.7 per hour,
down from the average of 12/hr yesterday, June 17. At 3:45 p.m. today, HVO
detected an increase in earthquake activity between Makaopuhi and Napau
craters, farther east than previously noted. The activity lasted about an hour
and rates were approaching yesterday's levels. Currently, the number of events
average 3 per hour.
Tiltmeters in the summit area continue to show deflation; the rates have
increased slightly since 3:45 p.m. A tiltmeter on Pu`u `O`o also registers
steady deflation. GPS receivers in the vicinity of Makaopuhi crater continue to
record extension.
Crater cam views of Pu`u `O`o crater are dark.
An overflight is scheduled for Tuesday morning to evaluate changes. HVO staff
continues to monitor the volcano closely.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 18, 2007 18:32 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):
Earthquake Swarm Beneath Kīlauea’s Upper East Rift Zone Continues
The earthquake swarm in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea that started
early Sunday morning, June 17, is continuing. From midnight to 3:45 p.m. on
June 18, HVO located about 3 earthquakes greater than magnitude-1.7 per hour,
down from the average of 12/hr yesterday, June 17. At 3:45 p.m. today, HVO
detected an increase in earthquake activity between Makaopuhi and Napau
craters, farther east than previous quakes, that lasted about an hour. During
this increase, the earthquakes were occurring at near yesterday's rate. As of
this posting, the rate of earthquake occurrence has again decreased.
Tiltmeters in the summit area continue to record steady deflation, totaling
more than 40 microradians since early Sunday; the rates have increased slightly
since 3:45 p.m.. GPS receivers in the area of most intense seismic activity
continue to record widening across the rift zone near Makaopuhi crater;
preliminary data indicate total widening of more than 70 cm (28 inches). An HVO
field crew have identified new cracking in the area between Mauna Ulu and
Makaopuhi consist with this widening. A tiltmeter on Pu`u `O`o continues to
show steady deflation.
This morning, HVO scientists inspected Pu`u `O`o vent and the entire flow
field. The crater floor within the vent had dropped about 20 m. Several spatter
cones within the crater had further collapsed into pits. Lava ponds were seen
in East Pond vent and the pits that were January vent. No active surface lava
was found on the flow field; no flowing lava was seen in skylights in the
Petunia tube indicating that it is no longer active. Similar views were not
available on the Campout tube, but lava was seen trickling into the ocean at
the Poupou entry. This information strongly suggests that activity at Pu`u `O`o
has decreased substantially in response to the June 17 intrusion.
Such an effect on the activity at Pu`u `O`o has been expected because similar
past events, most recently the 1997 episode 54 eruption and the 1999 intrusion,
resulted in cessation of Pu`u `O`o activity for several days to weeks.
All data indicate that an intrusion of magma started in the Mauna Ulu area
early Sunday morning and moved slowly 5 km (3 miles) east along the rift zone
throughout June 17. This afternoon, the intrusion moved a bit farther east in a
burst of earthquake activity starting at about 3:45 p.m.
Another overflight is scheduled for Tuesday morning to evaluate changes, if
any. HVO staff continue to watch the volcano closely.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 18, 2007 08:08 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Earthquake Swarm Beneath Kīlauea’s Upper East Rift Zone
Continues
The earthquake swarm in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea that started
early Sunday morning is continuing but at a lower rate. Most of the earthquakes
are located between Pauahi and Makaopuhi craters at depths of about 1.5-3 km.
Less than 10 small earthquakes per hour are being recorded in this area
compared to more than about 100 per hour Sunday morning. Seismicity in the
summit area consists of strong tremor.
Tiltmeters in the summit area are recording steady deflation, totaling about 40
microradians since early Sunday; tilt rates are slowing this morning. GPS
receivers in the area of most intense seismic activity have recorded widening
across the rift zone in near Makaopuhi crater that has slowed; preliminary data
indicate total widening of more than 40 cm (15 inches). A tiltmeter on Pu`u
`O`o is also showing steady deflation.
Incandescence has not been visible from the East Pond vent in the crater of
Pu`u `O`o since the early morning hours; steam from the crater obscured views
for most of the night and morning. On Sunday afternoon, HVO observers noted
many rockfalls from the south wall of Pu`u `O`o cone and collapse of the crater
floor around the vents. January vent collapsed at 4:30 p.m. This morning after
the sun rose, Pu`u `O`o crater is steaming; the floor is still there but the
January vent and Drainhole pits have enlarged. An HVO crew of observers is
scheduled to inspect Pu`u `O`o and the flow field this morning.
All data indicate that an intrusion of magma started in the Mauna Ulu area
early Sunday morning and moved slowly 5 km (3 miles) east along the rift zone
during the day. The intrusion appears to be waning.
Fieldwork in the Mauna Ulu - Makaopuhi area is scheduled for Monday morning to
evaluate changes, if any.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 18, 2007 04:18 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Earthquake Swarm Beneath Kīlauea’s Upper East Rift Zone
Continues
The earthquake swarm in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea that started
early Sunday morning is continuing but at a lower rate. Most of the earthquakes
are located between Pauahi and Makaopuhi craters at depths of about 1.5-3 km.
About 10 to 15 small earthquakes per hour are being recorded in this area
compared to more than about 100 per hour Sunday morning. Seismicity in the
summit area consists of strong tremor.
Tiltmeters in the summit area are recording steady deflation, totaling about 37
microradians since early Sunday. GPS receivers in the area of most intense
seismic activity continue to show widening across the rift zone in near
Makaopuhi crater; preliminary data indicate widening of more than 40 cm (15
inches). A tiltmeter on Pu`u `O`o is also showing steady deflation.
Intermittent faint glow is only occasionally visible from the East Pond vent in
the crater of Pu`u ``O`o, much less than is typical of the crater. On Sunday
afternoon, HVO observers noted many rockfalls from the south wall of Pu`u `O`o
cone and collapse of the crater floor around the vents. The lava level in East
Pond vent dropped several meters in late morning.
All data indicate that an intrusion of magma started in the Mauna Ulu area
early Sunday morning and moved slowly 5 km (3 miles) east along the rift zone
during the day. The intrusion is continuing at this time.
Fieldwork and an overflight of Pu`u `O`o and the flow field is scheduled for
Monday morning to evaluate changes, if any, to the ongoing eruption of Pu`u
`O`o.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 18, 2007 00:45 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Earthquake Swarm Beneath Kīlauea’s Upper East Rift Zone Continues
The earthquake swarm in the upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea that started
early Sunday morning is continuing but at a lower rate. Most of the earthquakes
are located between Pauahi and Makaopuhi craters at depths of 1.5-3 km. About
10 to 15 small earthquakes per hour are being recorded in this area compared to
more than about 100 per hour Sunday morning. Seismicity in the summit area
consists of strong tremor.
Tiltmeters in the summit area are recording steady deflation, totaling about 32
microradians since early Sunday. GPS receivers in the area of most intense
seismic activity continue to show widening across the rift zone in the area
near Makaopuhi crater by about 20 cm (8 inches). A tiltmeter on Pu`u `O`o is
also showing steady deflation, totaling about 12 microradians since the
activity began.
Intermittent faint glow is visible from the East Pond vent in the crater of
Pu`u ``O`o, much less than typical of the crater. On Sunday afternoon, HVO
observers noted many rockfalls from the south wall of Pu`u `O`o cone and
collapse of the crater floor around the vents. The lava level in East Pond vent
dropped several meters in late morning. The MLK vent area on the south side of
Pu`u `O`o also showed signs of collapse.
All data indicate that an intrusion of magma started in the Mauna Ulu area
early Sunday morning and moved slowly 5 km (3 miles) east along the rift zone
during the day. The intrusion is continuing at this time.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 17, 2007 20:27 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Earthquake Swarm Beneath Kīlauea’s Upper East Rift Zone
Continues
The earthquake swarm started at 2:15 a.m., June 17, 2007. By 2 p.m., about 264
earthquakes were located in the upper east rift zone. More earthquakes occurred
but were too small to locate. Most are located between Pauahi and Maka`opuhi
craters at depths of 1.5-3 km. Fresh cracks have opened about 2 cm in the Chain
of Craters road near the Mauna Ulu turnoff.
All summit tiltmeters continue to record deflation. GPS receivers in the area
of most intense seismic activity document an approximately 10 cm widening
between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m. near Makaopuhi.
A helicopter overflight this morning confirmed that the eruption at Pu`u `O`o
vent continues. This afternoon, HVO observers noted rockfalls from the south
wall of Pu`u `O`o cone and collapse of the crater floor around the vents. The
lava level in East Pond vent appears to be dropping. The MLK vent on the south
side of Pu`u `O`o has also collapsed.
All data so far indicate that an intrusion of magma started in the Mauna Ulu
area and appears to be moving slowly down rift. This event may be decreasing
lava supplied to Pu`u `O`o vent.
Kilauea
Information Release issued Jun 17, 2007 15:03 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Earthquake Swarm Beneath Kīlauea’s Upper East Rift Zone Continues
The earthquake swarm started at 2:15 a.m., June 17, 2007. By 2 p.m., about 230
earthquakes were located in the upper east rift zone. More earthquakes occurred
but were too small to locate. Most are located between Pauahi and Maka`opuhi
craters at depths of 1.5-3 km. Fresh cracks have opened about 2 cm in the Chain
of Craters road near the Mauna Ulu turnoff.
All summit tiltmeters continue to record deflation. GPS receivers in the area
of most intense seismic activity document an approximately 10 cm widening
between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m. near Makaopuhi.
A helicopter overflight this morning confirmed that the eruption at Pu`u `O`o
vent continues. This afternoon, HVO observers noted rockfalls from the south
wall of Pu`u `O`o cone and collapse of the crater floor around the vents. The
lava level in East Pond vent appears to be dropping. The MLK vent on the south
side of Pu`u `O`o has also collapsed.
All data so far indicate that an intrusion of magma started in the Mauna Ulu
area and appears to be moving slowly down rift. This event may be decreasing
lava supplied to Pu`u `O`o vent.
Kilauea
Information Release issued Jun 17, 2007 05:26 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Early Morning Earthquake Swarm Beneath Kīlauea’s Upper
East Rift Zone
About 70 shallow earthquakes in 2 hours occurred beneath the upper east rift
zone of Kīlauea early this morning. The swarm began at 2:15 a.m. on
Sunday, June 17 and is ongoing. The earthquakes are centered 1 km (1 mile)
southwest of Mauna Ulu and are concentrated between 1.5 and 3 kilometers (1-2
miles) deep. As of 4:30 a.m., ten of the quakes had magnitudes greater than 3
and were felt by nearby residents. All data so far is consistent with the event
being a shallow intrusion of magma. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is
watching the situation closely and has deployed field crews to the scene.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has taken the following precautionary measures: Chain of
Craters road is closed. Crater Rim Drive is closed between Jaggar museum and
the Thurston lava tube parking lot. NPS personnel are sweeping both roads to
evacuate visitors.
Kilauea
Information Release issued Jun 17, 2007 08:06 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Summary: A swarm of earthquakes and rapid deflation started at 2:15 a.m. in the
upper east rift zone near Mauna Ulu. The event is most likely an intrusion of
magma. Low magnitude earthquakes are continuing at a rate of one per minute.
The summit tiltmeter network recorded strong changes nearest the focus of
earthquakes with smaller responses in the summit caldera and even smaller at
Pu`u `O`o vent.
The summit continues to expand at slow rates. Kilauea volcano continues to
erupt from the Pu`u `O`o vent on the East Rift Zone. Lava feeds Pu`u `O`o
crater vents, vents in collapse areas on the south side of Pu`u `O`o cone, and
the PKK tube, which feeds two lava tube systems, named the Petunia and Campout
tubes. The Petunia flow continues to advance and came over the top of Pulama
pali about June 14. The Campout tube is feeding widespread surface flows on the
west side of the flow field and the Poupou ocean entry.
The last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: An earthquake swarm started at 2:15 a.m.
with at least 70 quakes recorded in the first two hours. At least 10 of those
quakes were magnitude-3.0 or greater. As of this writing, earthquakes of
approximately magnitude-1.0 are occurring at a rate of one per minute. The
earthquake activity is centered between Mauna Ulu and Pauahi crater. The
tiltmeter network recorded significant deflation, consistent with extension
across the upper east rift zone and summit. Seismic tremor remains at low
levels.
Air quality was good.
Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: No big changes; fog and rain obscured views into
the crater. Incandescence could be seen reflected in the gas plumes at East
Pond, January, South Wall Complex, and Drainhole vents. The POC tiltmeter
recorded weak deflation in response to the summit activity. Seismic tremor
remains at moderate levels. HVO scientists are en route to Pu`u `O`o to
directly assess any activity changes at the vent or on the flow field.
NPS eruption crew report from the coast for Saturday evening: The front of the
Petunia was visible advancing down Pulama pali. The `a`a flow had advanced to
the 1100'. Breakouts could also be seen during the day on the Campout flow on
the pali. Surface flows on the east side were widespread inland of Poupou. The
steam plume from the Poupou entry was visible by day.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 16, 2007 07:48 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Summary: Earthquake activity beneath the summit continues with a flurry events
located immediately south of Halema`uma`u; the summit continues to expand at
slow rates. Kilauea volcano continues to erupt from the Pu`u `O`o vent on the
East Rift Zone. Lava feeds Pu`u `O`o crater vents, vents in collapse areas on
the south side of Pu`u `O`o cone, and the PKK tube, which feeds two lava tube
systems, named the Petunia and Campout tubes. The Petunia flow continues to
advance and came over the top of Pulama pali about June 14. The Campout tube is
feeding widespread surface flows on the west side of the flow field and the
Poupou ocean entry.
The last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Several small, shallow earthquakes were
recorded beneath the summit immediately south of Halema`uma`u crater, away from
the summit beneath the southwest rift zone, and beneath the south flank. The
tiltmeter network recorded no significant inflation or deflation across the
summit; in the past two days, the UWE tiltmeter, across the road from HVO,
recorded two abrupt but small deflations that are not accompanied by
significant changes in seismicity. These have happened before and usually occur
in runs - we are watching them but don't interpret them as a significant change
in activity. Seismic tremor remains at low levels.
Air quality was good.
Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: No big changes; fog and rain obscured views into
the crater. Incandescence could be seen reflected in the gas plumes at East
Pond, January, South Wall Complex, and Drainhole vents. The POC tiltmeter
recorded the usual oscillations; the inflation recorded yesterday has slowed
accompanied by a decreasnoone in rainfall. Seismic tremor remains at moderate
levels.
NPS eruption crew report from the west sides of the coastal plain for Friday
evening: The front of the Petunia was visible advancing down Pulama pali. It
appeared to be 100-200 yards wide and had advanced to the 1200' level by 9 pm.
Breakouts could also be seen from the Campout flow on the pali below the bottom
of the big kipuka. Surface flows on the east side were widespread inland of
Poupou. The steam plume from the Poupou entry was visible by day and was
replaced by dim glow at night.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 15, 2007 08:28 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Summary: Earthquake activity beneath the summit picked up with a flurry events
located immediately south of Halema`uma`u; the summit continues to expand at
slow rates. Kilauea volcano continues to erupt from the Pu`u `O`o vent on the
East Rift Zone. Lava feeds Pu`u `O`o crater vents, vents in collapse areas on
the south side of Pu`u `O`o cone, and the PKK tube, which feeds two lava tube
systems, named the Petunia and Campout tubes. The Petunia flow continues to
advance and is poised to come over the top of Pulama pali. The Campout tube is
feeding widespread surface flows on the west side of the flow field and the
Poupou ocean entry.
The last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Several small, shallow earthquakes were
recorded beneath the summit immediately south of Halema`uma`u crater. The
tiltmeter network recorded no to slow inflation across the summit. Seismic
tremor remains at low levels.
Air quality was good.
Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: No big changes; fog and increased rain obscured
views into the crater. Incandescence could be seen reflected in the gas plumes
at East Pond, January, South Wall Complex, and Drainhole vents. The POC
tiltmeter recorded the usual oscillations on inflation, which probably reflects
increased rainfall and not a significant change in the vent. Seismic tremor
remains at moderate levels.
NPS eruption crew report from the east and west sides of the coastal plain for
Thursday afternoon: Surface flows on the east side were widespread inland of
Poupou. The steam plume from the Poupou entry increased intermittently in size,
possibly in response to tephra jetting where lava enters the ocean.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 15, 2007 08:00 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Summary: Earthquake activity beneath the summit picked up with a flurry events
located immediately south of Halema`uma`u; the summit continues to expand at
slow rates. Kilauea volcano continues to erupt from the Pu`u `O`o vent on the
East Rift Zone. Lava feeds Pu`u `O`o crater vents, vents in collapse areas on
the south side of Pu`u `O`o cone, and the PKK tube, which feeds two lava tube
systems, named the Petunia and Campout tubes. The Petunia flow continues to
advance and is poised to come over the top of Pulama pali. The Campout tube is
feeding widespread surface flows on the west side of the flow field and the
Poupou ocean entry.
The last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Several small, shallow earthquakes were
recorded beneath the summit immediately south of Halema`uma`u crater. The
tiltmeter network recorded no to slow inflation across the summit. Seismic
tremor remains at low levels.
Air quality was good.
Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: No big changes; fog and increased rain obscured
views into the crater. Incandescence could be seen reflected in the gas plumes
at East Pond, January, South Wall Complex, and Drainhole vents. The POC
tiltmeter recorded the usual oscillations on slow inflation. Seismic tremor
remains at moderate levels.
NPS eruption crew report from the east and west sides of the coastal plain for
Thursday afternoon: Surface flows on the east side were widespread inland of
Poupou. The steam plume from the Poupou entry increased intermittently in size,
possibly in response to tephra jetting where lava enters the ocean.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 14, 2007 08:22 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Summary: Earthquake activity beneath summit has returned to background levels;
the summit continues to expand at slow rates. Kilauea volcano continues to
erupt from the Pu`u `O`o vent on the East Rift Zone. Lava feeds Pu`u `O`o
crater vents, vents in collapse areas on the south side of Pu`u `O`o cone, and
the PKK tube, which now feeds the Petunia and Campout flows. The Petunia flow
continues to advance and is poised to come over the top of Pulama pali. The
Campout flow is feeding widespread surface flows on the west side of the flow
field and the Poupou ocean entry.
The last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: A few, small, shallow earthquakes were
recorded in the summit; most notable was a magnitude-3.5 earthquake which
occurred at 4:39 am beneath Holei pali near the hairpin turn on Chain of
Craters Road. The tiltmeter network recorded no to slow inflation across the
summit. Seismic tremor remains at low levels.
Air quality was good.
Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: No big changes; fog and volcanic gas obscured views
into the crater. Incandescence could be seen reflected in the gas plumes at
East Pond, January, South Wall Complex, and Drainhole vents. The POC tiltmeter
recorded the usual oscillations on slow inflation. Seismic tremor remains at
moderate levels.
HVO field crew reports that the Petunia flow continues to advance downslope, is
nearly to the top of Pulama pali, and may become visible from the end of Chain
of Craters road in the next few days. Its tip is to the west of the Campout
flow. Aerial views of the Poupou entry show that it is not building a big
delta, but rather a thin strip that is wider at the two entry points. Small
explosions threw molten material 5-15 m into the air.
NPS eruption crew report from the coast for Wednesday evening: From the west
side of the flow field, incandescence was visible reflected in clouds from the
Petunia flow still above the pali and from the vicinity of Pu`u `O`o. No
incandescence was visible on the pali. Intermittent incandescence at the Poupou
entry was visible at night.
Kilauea
Daily Update issued Jun 13, 2007 08:15 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH -
Aviation Color Code ORANGE
Report
prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
Summary: Kilauea volcano continues to erupt from the Pu`u `O`o vent on the East
Rift Zone. The eruption is stable - the Poupou ocean entry continues to build a
delta. The flurry of small shallow earthquakes in the upper east rift zones
that started May 12, 2007 may be waning.
The long story that won't change daily: Over the past several months, Kilauea
caldera has been expanding at a rate of 1.5 cm/month indicating minimal magma
storage there; most of the magma supply continues to feed the Pu`u `O`o vent.
Pu`u `O`o cone is slowly collapsing as shown by cracks spreading on its south
flank and about 1 cm/month subsidence of its north flank.
The PKK lava tube, the primary tube from Pu`u `O`o, is active but only to feed
the Campout and the Petunia tubes within about 1 km from the vent. The Campout
tube provides lava to the coast toward the base of Royal Gardens subdivision
and into the ocean on May 16 at Poupou. The Petunia flow has advanced about 2
km and is not yet visible below the pali. While we can't see it except on
helicopter overflights, twice daily satellite imagery confirms that the Petunia
flow is still somewhat active. Lava continues to enter the ocean only at the
Poupou location within the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
The last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: A few, small, shallow earthquakes were
recorded in the summit; most were deeper earthquakes recorded in the south
flank. The tiltmeter network recorded no to slow inflation across the summit.
Seismic tremor remains at low levels.
Air quality was good.
Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: No big changes; fog and volcanic gas obscured views
into the crater. Incandescence could be seen reflected in the gas plumes at East
Pond, January, South Wall Complex, and Drainhole vents. The POC tiltmeter
recorded the usual oscillations on slow inflation. Seismic tremor remains at
moderate levels.
NPS eruption crew report from the coast for Tuesday evening: No incandescence
visible from the west side above or on the pali or on the coastal plain. A
steam plume could be seen from the Poupou entry by day; incandescence was
visible at night.
Update Archive
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updates can be found using the HVO Archive Form.
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see the Volcano Hazards
News Archive. For more information about the alert levels, please see the U.S. Geological Survey's Alert
Notification System for Volcanic Activity Fact Sheet (pdf).
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/lvostatus.php
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Page Last Modified: Friday, 08-Jun-2007 14:36:08 (dyv)