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Recent Kilauea Status Reports, Updates, and Information Releases

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATEFriday, November 6, 2009 8:10 AM HST (Friday, November 6, 2009 18:10 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: A DI event is nearing completion. Growth and partial collapse of the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent cavity floor continued to alternately obscure and reveal the circulating lava pond surface. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents remain elevated. Lava flows are active on the coastal plain. Lava is also flowing through tubes to the coast and entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The Overlook vent webcam images again showed fluctuating glow and spattering from a single elongated hole deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity; the hole continued to narrow as spatter built the rim inward and enlarge as rim pieces broke off. Glow from the vent was visible from Jaggar Museum overnight. This morning, a white plume is moving southwestward and low over the Ka`u Desert. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 500 tonnes/day on November 3, which is elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Very small amounts of ash-sized tephra continued to be dropped from the plume near the vent.

The summit tiltmeter network recorded the switch to DI inflation at 4 pm yesterday afternoon. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded little net deformation since mid-August.

Seismic tremor levels remained at low values; several seismic rockfall signatures were recorded. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes increased overnight but were back below background levels by dawn. Seven earthquakes were strong enough to be located - five beneath the summit caldera and two on south flank faults.

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continued to degas through Pu`u `O`o crater before erupting from the TEB vent, located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on November 4, which is close to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. Moon glow was recorded by the Pu`u `O`o webcam last night.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded the switch to DI inflation at 5 pm yesterday afternoon. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded continued slow contraction of the cone, amounting to almost 3 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels at Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent were at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent flows through two tube branches to the coast, across State- and privately-owned land, and is entering the ocean at two locations - Waikupanaha and a site 700 m (2,300 ft) to the west (west Waikupanaha). Yesterday, HVO and UHH geologists and CD officials reported sluggish flows west of the Public Viewing Area trail head and more active surface flows on the coastal plain feeding the west Waikupanaha entry; in addition, flows were active in the kipuka upslope of the trail head. GOES-WEST thermal anomalies were again strong through dawn indicating continuing surface flow activity on the coastal plain.

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 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 UPDATEThursday, November 5, 2009 7:48 AM HST (Thursday, November 5, 2009 17:48 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: Growth and partial collapses of the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent cavity floor continued periodically obscuring and revealing the circulating lava pond surface. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents remain elevated. Lava flows are active on the coastal plain. Lava is also flowing through tubes to the coast and entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The Overlook vent webcam images again showed fluctuating glow and spattering from a single elongated hole deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity; the rim of this hole was built progressively inward by spatter making the hole smaller until two more partial collapses occurred early this morning again revealing the circulating and spattering lava pond below. Glow from the vent was visible from Jaggar Museum overnight. This morning, a near white plume is moving southwestward and low over the Ka`u Desert. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 500 tonnes/day on November 3, which is elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Small amounts of ash-sized tephra continued to be dropped from the plume near the vent.

The summit tiltmeter network recorded the start of DI deflation at 1:30 am this morning. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded little net deformation since mid-August.

Seismic tremor levels remained at low values; several seismic rockfall signatures were recorded. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes remained below background levels. Four earthquakes were strong enough to be located - three beneath the summit caldera and one on south flank faults.

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continued to degas through Pu`u `O`o crater before erupting from the TEB vent, located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on November 4, which is close to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. Only moon glow was recorded by the Pu`u `O`o webcam last night.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded the start of DI deflation at 2:30 am this morning. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded continued slow contraction of the cone, amounting to almost 3 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels at Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent were at low values.

Lava flows from the TEB vent through two tube branches to the coast, across State- and privately-owned land, and is entering the ocean at two locations - Waikupanaha and a site 700 m (2,300 ft) to the west (west Waikupanaha). Yesterday, HVO geologists reported sluggish flows more than 300 m (1,000 ft) west of the Public Viewing Area trail head and more active surface flows on the coastal plain feeding the west Waikupanaha entry; the west Waikupanaha entry had broadened to about 200-250 m (650-820 ft). GOES-WEST thermal anomalies were again strong through dawn indicating continuing surface flow activity on the coastal plain.

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 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 UPDATEWednesday, November 4, 2009 7:27 AM HST (Wednesday, November 4, 2009 17:27 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: Early this morning, part of the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent cavity floor continued minor collapses revealing more of the circulating lava pond surface. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents remain elevated. Lava flows are active on the coastal plain. Lava is also flowing through tubes to the coast and entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The Overlook vent webcam images again showed fluctuating glow and spattering from several holes deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity; the floor of the deep cavity collapsed two more times to reveal more of the circulating and spattering lava pond below. Glow from the vent was visible from Jaggar Museum overnight. This morning, a wispy off-white plume is moving southwestward and low over the Ka`u Desert. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 500 tonnes/day on November 3, which is elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Small amounts of ash-sized tephra continued to be dropped from the plume near the vent.

The summit tiltmeter network recorded no significant ground tilting. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded little net deformation since mid-August.

Seismic tremor levels remained at low values; several seismic rockfall signatures were recorded. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes peaked about 3 am this morning before falling below background levels. Eight earthquakes were strong enough to be located - three beneath the summit caldera and five on south flank faults.

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 the TEB vent, located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,440 tonnes/day on October 16, which is close to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. Only moon glow was recorded last night.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant ground tilting. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded continued slow contraction of the cone, amounting to almost 3 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels at Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent were at low values.

Lava flows from the TEB vent through two tube branches to the coast, across State- and privately-owned land, and is entering the ocean at two locations - Waikupanaha and a site 700 m (2,300 ft) to the west (west Waikupanaha). Yesterday, HVO geologists reported minor active active flows about 325 m (1,070 ft) west of the Public Viewing Area trail head and active surface flows on the coastal plain feeding the west Waikupanaha entry; the last remaining structure on the flow field, a white cabin, burned yesterday about 12:30 pm. Last night, CD officials reported similar activity with good view of lava entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and a couple of glowing spots on the pali. GOES-WEST thermal anomalies were again strong through dawn indicating continuing surface flow activity on the coastal plain. This morning, CD officials reported plumes rising indicating business as usual on the flow field.

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 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 UPDATETuesday, November 3, 2009 8:08 AM HST (Tuesday, November 3, 2009 18:08 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: Early this morning, part of the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent cavity floor collapsed revealing a circulating lava pond surface. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents remain elevated. Lava flows are active on the coastal plain. Lava is also flowing through tubes to the coast and entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The Overlook vent webcam images again showed fluctuating glow and spattering from several holes deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity; just after 3 am, the floor between two of the holes collapsed leaving an elongate opening; just before 6 am, more of the floor collapsed to reveal a circulating and spattering lava pond below. Glow from the vent was visible from Jaggar Museum overnight. This morning, a wispy off-white plume is moving southwestward over the Ka`u Desert. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 800 tonnes/day on October 30, which is elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Small amounts of ash-sized tephra, including a small amount of fresh broken spatter bits and Pele's hair, continued to be dropped from the plume near the vent.

The summit tiltmeter network recorded no significant ground tilting. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded little net deformation since mid-August.

After several hours of episodic tremor bursts, tremor amplitudes doubled and remained steady until they dropped just after 3 am simultaneous with the first Halema`uma`u Overlook floor collapse (see above); seismic rockfall signatures were recorded during the second vent cavity floor collapse. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes increased early this morning but were still below background levels. Nine earthquakes were strong enough to be located - five beneath the summit caldera and four on south flank faults.

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 the TEB vent, located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,440 tonnes/day on October 16, which is close to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. Weak glow was recorded from the east wall of the crater last night.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant ground tilting. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded continued slow contraction of the cone, amounting to almost 3 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels at Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent were at low values.

Lava flows from the TEB vent through two tube branches to the coast, across State- and privately-owned land, and is entering the ocean at two locations - Waikupanaha and a site 700 m (2,300 ft) to the west (west Waikupanaha). Yesterday, HVO geologists reported inactive flows near the Public Viewing Area trail head and active surface flows on the coastal plain feeding the west Waikupanaha entry. Last night just before 7 pm, CD officials reported that surface flows reactivated about 300 m (1,000 ft) west of the Public Viewing Area trail head. GOES-WEST thermal anomalies were again strong through dawn indicating continuing surface flow activity on the coastal plain.

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 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 UPDATEMonday, November 2, 2009 7:51 AM HST (Monday, November 2, 2009 17:51 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: Glowing and spattering holes continued to be active deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity; six episodes of lava rising and fully or partially covering the bottom were recorded. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents remain elevated. Lava flows are active at the base of the pali and the coastal plain. Lava is also flowing through tubes to the coast and entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The Overlook vent webcam images again showed fluctuating glow and spattering from several holes deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity; in addition, lava rose briefly through the northernmost hole and covered the bottom of the cavity before draining six times between 9:30 am and 11:15 pm yesterday. Glow from the vent was visible from Jaggar Museum overnight. This morning, a wispy off-white plume is moving southwestward over the Ka`u Desert. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 800 tonnes/day on October 30, which is elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Small amounts of ash-sized tephra continued to be dropped from the plume near the vent.

The summit tiltmeter network recorded weak inflation. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded little net deformation since mid-August.

Seismic tremor levels were at low values with irregular tremor bursts that became almost periodic after midnight with bursts every 20-30 minutes. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were below background levels. Five small earthquakes were strong enough to be located - two beneath the summit caldera and three on south flank faults.

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 the TEB vent, located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,440 tonnes/day on October 16, which is close to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. Glow was recorded from the east wall and floor of the crater last night.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant ground tilting. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded continued slow contraction of the cone, amounting to almost 3 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels at Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent were at low values.

Lava flows from the TEB vent through two tube branches to the coast, across State- and privately-owned land, and is entering the ocean at two locations - Waikupanaha and a site 700 m (2,300 ft) to the west. Yesterday, HVO geologists reported stalled flows near the Public Viewing Area trail head and active surface flows on the coastal plain feeding the western ocean entry. Last night, CD officials reported that there were two ocean entry plumes with a few explosions and no visible lava entering the ocean, minimal incandescence in the flows around the trail head, and glow from a spot at the base of the pali. GOES-WEST thermal anomalies were again strong through dawn. CD officials report plumes rising this morning though it was blowing to the east.

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 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 UPDATESunday, November 1, 2009 7:39 AM HST (Sunday, November 1, 2009 17:39 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: Glowing and spattering holes continued to be active deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents remain elevated. Lava flows are active on the pali and the coastal plain. Lava is also flowing through tubes to the coast and entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The Overlook vent webcam images again showed fluctuating glow and spattering from several holes deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. Glow from the vent was visible from Jaggar Museum. This morning, a white plume is moving southwestward over the Ka`u Desert. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 800 tonnes/day on October 26, which is elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Minute amounts of ash-sized tephra continued to be dropped from the plume near the vent.

The summit tiltmeter network recorded no significant ground tilting. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded little net deformation since mid-August.

Seismic tremor levels were steady and at low values. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were below background levels. Five small earthquakes were strong enough to be located - two beneath the summit caldera, one beneath the upper southwest rift zone, and two on south flank faults.

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 the TEB vent, located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,440 tonnes/day on October 16, which is close to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. Weak glow was again recorded from the east wall of the crater last night.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded slow inflation, with a small inflection, after completion of the most recent DI event. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded continued slow contraction of the cone, amounting to almost 3 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels at Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent were at low values.

Lava flows from the TEB vent through two tube branches to the coast, across State- and privately-owned land; the Waikupanaha tube transports lava to the ocean at Waikupanaha, west of Kalapana; breakouts from the east tube branch are producing surface flows on the coastal plain that spared the white cabin and reached the coast 700 m (2,300 ft) west of the Waikpuanaha entry yesterday (see maps). Yesterday, HVO geologists also reported that the flows immediately west of the Public Viewing trail had again stalled after a narrow lobe advanced through the kipuka just north of the highway. The afternoon MODIS image contained two distinct thermal images - one corresponds to the activity on the coastal plain and the other was centered at 440 m (1,440 ft) elevation, near the top of the Royal Gardens subdivision. Last night, CD officials reported that there were two ocean entry plumes with some visible lava entering the ocean, very little incandescence in the flows around the trail head, and glow from a broad flow at the top of the pali with lesser glowing areas on the pali and at its base. GOES-WEST thermal anomalies were again strong through dawn. CD officials report plumes rising this morning. HVO geologists will be on site again today.

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 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 UPDATESaturday, October 31, 2009 8:07 AM HST (Saturday, October 31, 2009 18:07 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: Enlarged glowing and spattering holes continued to be active deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and east rift zone vents remain elevated. Lava flows are active in the kipuka west of the Public Viewing Area and farther west on the coastal plain. Lave is also flowing through tubes to the coast and entering the ocean west of Kalapana.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The Overlook vent webcam images again showed fluctuating glow and spattering from several holes deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. Glow from the vent was visible from Jaggar Museum. This morning, a slightly wispy white plume is moving southwestward over the Ka`u Desert. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 800 tonnes/day on October 26, which is elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Minute amounts of ash-sized tephra continued to be dropped from the plume near the vent.

The summit tiltmeter network recorded slow inflation after DI event completion. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded little net deformation since mid-August.

After a few seismic tremor bursts, levels returned to low values. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes increased abruptly about 7 pm but remained below background levels. Five small earthquakes were strong enough to be located - one beneath the summit caldera and four on south flank faults.

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 the TEB vent, located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,440 tonnes/day on October 16, which is close to the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. Weak glow was recorded from the east wall of the crater last night.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded slow inflation, with a small inflection, after completion of the most recent DI event. The GPS network, which is less sensitive than the tiltmeter network, has recorded continued slow contraction of the cone, amounting to almost 3 cm of contraction over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels at Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent were at low values.

Lava flows from the TEB vent through two tube branches to the coast, across State- and privately-owned land; the Waikupanaha tube transports lava to the ocean at Waikupanaha, west of Kalapana; breakouts from the east tube branch are producing surface flows on the coastal plain inland of the Waikpuanaha entry and also immediately west of the County Public Viewing trail (see maps). Yesterday, HVO geologists reported flows advancing toward the ocean at both active areas; the westernmost breakout had split around the remaining white cabin and advanced to within 110 m (360 ft) of the coast by noon yesterday; the flows immediately west of the Public Viewing train were more than 300 m (980 ft) from the coast. Around 4 pm, CD officials reported seeing a puff of black smoke far to the west of their location which may indicate that the white cabin, which has so far remained untouched by TEB flows, finally succumbed to advancing surface flows from the westernmost breakout. GOES-WEST thermal anomalies were again strong through dawn. HVO geologists will be on site again today.

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 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.

Update Archive

Older updates can be found using the HVO Archive Form.

For more information about the Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code, please see the U.S. Geological Survey's Alert Notification System for Volcanic Activity Fact Sheet (pdf) or the USGS Volcanic Activity Alert-Notification System web page.

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Page Last Modified: Monday, 12-Jan-2009 14:52:14 (dyv)