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Recent Kilauea Status Reports, Updates, and Information Releases

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATEThursday, July 2, 2009 8:45 AM HST (Thursday, July 2, 2009 18:45 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 summit vent remains choked with rubble from Tuesday's collapses. Sporadic gas jetting noises were heard coming from the vent late yesterday afternoon, and a few points of incandescence deep in the vent were seen by Webcam overnight. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Active lava flows are present on the pali in, and adjacent to, the Royal Gardens subdivision. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Aerial observations yesterday morning, and views from the ground with a thermal camera last night, confirmed that the throat of the vent in Halema`uma`u crater had been choked with debris from Tuesday's collapses. By late yesterday afternoon, sporadic gas jetting sounds from the vent were heard by geologists on the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater. Overnight, the Webcam on the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater recorded a few points of incandescence, waxing and waning in brightness, deep within the vent.

Seismic tremor amplitudes, which dropped following the summit vent collapses, remain low. In contrast, the number of RB2S2BL earthquakes recorded at the summit is about 3 times the pre-collapse level. Episodic tremor continues with tremor bursts of about 1-minute duration occurring about 12 minutes apart. In the past 24 hours, 11 earthquakes have been located beneath Kilauea's caldera, most at very shallow levels.

DI inflation at the summit, which began at about 2:20 AM on Tuesday morning, flattened and appears to have peaked this morning. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.

On Thursday morning, the summit plume is small and wispy and drifting to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable; the most recent measurement, taken before the recent collapses and the change to the appearance of the plume, was 800 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. The weak plume carried only a small amount of mostly ash-sized tephra from the vent. All appears to be lithic rock dust and recycled juvenile material with no hair or spherules. The vent was still relatively quiet this morning, with only a few sporadic small rock falls and slides heard during the ash collection.

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded within the crater overnight since September 12, 2008.

DI inflation has slowed and appears to have nearly peaked this morning. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1 cm of contraction over the past month and almost 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Field workers yesterday morning observed only minor surface flow activity on the pali. Activity increased during the day and by last night, CD officials reported widespread of surface activity within, and just east of, the Royal Gardens subdivision. GOES-WEST imagery indicated a strong thermal anomaly inland of the coast that suggests surface flow activity throughout the night. The Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u ocean entries remain active with robust plumes marking their locations.

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 UPDATEWednesday, July 1, 2009 8:07 AM HST (Wednesday, July 1, 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: A major collapse of the summit vent occurred early Tuesday afternoon, causing an instability that led to numerous collapse events over the ensuing three hours. These collapses were associated with brown plumes, shaking that was occasionally strong enough to be felt locally, and a sharp decrease in tremor at Kilauea's summit. Overnight, there was no glow from the summit or Pu`u `O`o eruptive vents. Lava from east rift zone vents continues to flow through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana. Active lava flows are present on the pali in the vicinity of the Royal Gardens subdivision. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: At 1:38 PM (Hawaiian Standard Time) Tuesday afternoon, a large collapse within the summit vent occurred, resulting in a loud booming sound heard across the caldera area, shaking that could be felt at the Jaggar Museum, generation of a dark brown plume, ejection of ash and lapilli, a very-long-period seismic signal, and an inflationary tilt offset. The initial collapse destabilized the vent, and for the next 3 hours numerous additional collapse signals were recorded by seismometers, some of which resulted in shaking that was again noted at the Jaggar Museum. Between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, a portion of the floor of Halemaumau Crater collapsed, enlarging the west rim of the summit vent.

Following the collapses, summit tremor dropped to low levels, and gas-rushing sounds from the vent ceased completely. As darkness fell Tuesday night, no glow was visible form the summit vent. Webcam views into the vent were completely dark throughout the night. The vent appears to be chocked with debris from Tuesday afternoon's collapses.

DI inflation at the summit began at about 2:20 AM on Tuesday morning and continued into Wednesday. The gradual inflation was punctuated by two inflationary offsets (at 1:38 PM and 2:29 PM Tuesday afternoon) that correlated with the largest collapses of the summit vent and the occurrence of very-long-period seismic signals. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.

After remaining steady through Tuesday morning, seismic tremor amplitudes dropped following the summit vent collapses. In contrast, the number of RB2S2BL earthquakes increased by over a factor of 4 on Tuesday afternoon, then continued to rise Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to about 6 times the pre-collapse levels. Episodic tremor also picked up late Tuesday afternoon and throughout the night, with tremor bursts at approximately 15-minute intervals accompanied by numerous small earthquakes. In the past 24 hours, over 30 earthquakes have been located beneath Kilauea's caldera, most at very shallow levels. A magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred off the north coast of the Big Island near Honoka`a at 10:45 PM Tuesday night, and was felt locally and on parts of Maui.

On Wednesday morning, the summit plume is small and wispy and drifting to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable; the most recent measurement was 800 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. Tephra from Tuesday afternoon's collapses fell primarily near the vent, and ash production overnight was several times higher relative to previous days. The ash is about half juvenile material (although this may be recycled from within the vent) with little hair and no spherules. The vent was still quiet Wednesday morning, with only a few sporadic small rock falls heard during the ash collection.

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded within the crater overnight since September 12, 2008.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded the switch from DI deflation to DI inflation at about 3:00 AM on Tuesday morning, and inflation continued throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1 cm of contraction over the past month and almost 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. CD officials reported strong ocean entry plumes on Wednesday morning, that surface flows on the east side of the Royal Gardens subdivision were dead, and that there were some active flows lower on the pali. GOES-WEST imagery indicated a strong thermal anomaly inland of the coast that suggests surface flow activity throughout the night.

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 UPDATETuesday, June 30, 2009 8:35 AM HST (Tuesday, June 30, 2009 18:35 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 displayed weak glow last night. Lava from east rift zone vents flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana; active surface flows continue on the pali. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Molten lava is present in the neck of an inclined, funnel-shaped cavity beneath the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater and is visible in our Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam at night; glow from the vent was low last night but was still visible from the Jaggar Museum. The lava level rose slightly for a brief time late yesterday afternoon following a rock fall within the vent. Shortly afterward, the lava level dropped back to about 290 m (950 ft) below the Halema`uma`u Crater rim webcam.

This morning, the plume is fairly robust and is moving to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable; the most recent measurement was 800 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. The plume carried small amounts of mostly ash-sized tephra; most was Pele's hair and glassy spatter bits in other shapes; muted gas-rushing sounds were heard during the collection routine.

The ongoing DI event recorded by the network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit switched from deflation to inflation at about 02:20 am this morning. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.

Seismic tremor amplitudes were relatively steady and at moderate levels. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes, though still relatively low, has increased since yesterday and remains within background levels. Of the earthquakes that were strong enough to be located, ten were beneath the summit caldera region and one was 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 vents to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded within the crater overnight since September 12, 2008.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded the switch from deflation to inflation during the ongoing DI event about 1/2 hour after the onset of inflation at the summit of Kilauea. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1 cm of contraction over the past month and almost 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. An HVO geologist yesterday observed that the active flows in the Royal Gardens subdivision had expanded several hundred meters (yards) east on the lower part of the pali. CD official reported that the surface flows had diminished substantially by last night, likely in response to the ongoing DI event, and GOES-WEST imagery included an intermittent thermal anomaly that suggests surface flow activity continued through the night. CD officials reported this morning that the Waikupanaha plume continues to rise up, but was reduced in size.

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 UPDATEMonday, June 29, 2009 8:41 AM HST (Monday, June 29, 2009 18:41 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 displayed a moderate glow last night. Lava from east rift zone vents flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana; active surface flows continue on the pali. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Molten lava is present in the neck of an inclined, funnel-shaped cavity beneath the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater and is visible in our Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam at night; after being very bright a few nights ago, the glow from the vent dropped to more modest levels last night but was still easily visible from the Jaggar Museum. The lava level has been relatively steady around 290 m (950 ft) below the Halema`uma`u Crater rim webcam.

This morning, the plume is fairly robust and is moving to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable; the most recent measurement was 800 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. The plume carried small amounts of mostly ash-sized tephra; most was Pele's hair and glassy spatter bits in other shapes; muted gas-rushing sounds are typically heard during the collection routine.

The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded the onset of rapid deflation-the beginning of a DI event-starting at about 3:40 am this morning. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months.

Seismic tremor amplitudes were relatively steady and at moderate levels. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were lower than usual but still within background levels. Of the earthquakes that were strong enough to be located, two were beneath the south summit caldera and one was 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 vents to the east. The most recent measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded within the crater overnight since September 12, 2008.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded the onset of deflation about 1 hour after the start of a DI event at the summit of Kilauea. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1 cm of contraction over the past month and almost 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Last night, CD officials reported a wide swath of surface flows extending more than halfway down the pali, frequent explosions at the Waikupanaha entry, and a smaller plume at Kupapa`u. GOES-WEST imagery included an intermittent thermal anomaly from the TEB flows through this morning suggesting continuing surface flow activity. This morning, CD officials reported that lava continues to enter the ocean as marked by continuing gas plumes.

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 UPDATESunday, June 28, 2009 7:32 AM HST (Sunday, June 28, 2009 17:32 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: After displaying a weak glow over the last few nights, the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent became much brighter around midnight last night, possibly the result of a small rise in lava level. Lava from east rift zone vents flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana; active surface flows continue on the pali. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Molten lava is present in the neck of an inclined, funnel-shaped cavity beneath the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater and is visible in our Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam at night; around midnight and through this morning, glow from the lava became some of the brightest this month and was easily visible with the naked eye from the Jaggar Museum. The lava level has been relatively steady around 290 m (950 ft) below the Halema`uma`u Crater rim webcam but appeared to rise a small but unknown amount around midnight.

This morning, the plume is fairly robust and moving to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable; the most recent measurement was 800 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. Tephra collection will resume on Monday.

The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded no significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months; after brief extension following the DI event at end of May, slow contraction resumed.

Seismic tremor amplitudes were at moderate levels with three 30-minute to 3-hour periods of significantly weaker tremor. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were within background levels. Of the earthquakes that were strong enough to be located, none were beneath the south summit caldera and four were 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 vents to the east. The most recent measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded within the crater overnight since September 12, 2008.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant tilting. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1 cm of contraction over the past month and almost 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Last night, CD officials reported lots of surface activity visible on the pali, occasional explosions at the Waikupanaha entry, and a smaller plume at Kupapa`u. GOES-WEST imagery included an intermittent thermal anomaly from the TEB flows through this morning suggesting continuing surface flow activity. This morning, CD officials reported lava continuing entry to the ocean as marked by continuing gas plumes.

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 UPDATESaturday, June 27, 2009 7:18 AM HST (Saturday, June 27, 2009 17:18 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 vent displayed a weak, red glow last night. Lava from east rift zone vents flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana; active surface flows continue on the pali. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Molten lava is present in the neck of an inclined, funnel-shaped cavity beneath the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater and is visible in our Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam; glow from the lava has become weaker but is still visible with the naked eye from the Jaggar Museum. The lava level has been relatively steady around 290 m (950 ft) below the Halema`uma`u Crater rim webcam; over the last three nights, the 54 m (180 ft) wide lava surface has been mostly crusted with slow movement to the southwest.

This morning, the plume is fairly robust and moving to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable; the most recent measurement was 800 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. Tephra collection will resume on Monday.

The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded weak inflation. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months; after brief extension following the DI event at end of May, slow contraction resumed.

Seismic tremor amplitudes were at moderate levels with a 50-minute-long burst starting at 3:45 am this morning. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were within background levels. Of the earthquakes that were strong enough to be located, one was beneath the south summit caldera and five were 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 vents to the east. The most recent measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on June 26, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded within the crater overnight since September 12, 2008.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded weak inflation. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1 cm of contraction over the past month and almost 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Yesterday, HVO geologists reported a strong plume at Waikupanaha and a slightly weaker one at Kupapa`u with a few explosions. Surface flow activity was clustered around the 270 m (900 ft) and the 430 m (1400 ft) elevations; incandescence but no moving lava was seen within the TEB vent. GOES-WEST imagery included an intermittent thermal anomaly from the TEB flows through this morning suggesting continuing surface flow activity.

HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.

Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://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 UPDATEFriday, June 26, 2009 7:06 AM HST (Friday, June 26, 2009 17:06 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 vent displayed a weak, red glow last night. Lava from east rift zone vents flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana; active surface flows continue on the pali. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Molten lava is present in the neck of an inclined, funnel-shaped cavity beneath the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater and is visible in our Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam; glow from the lava has become weaker but is still visible with the naked eye from the Jaggar Museum. The lava level has been variable apparently rising several meters for brief periods before returning to depths around 290 m (950 ft) below the Halema`uma`u Crater rim webcam; over the last two nights, the 54 m (180 ft) wide lava surface has been mostly crusted with slow movement to the southwest.

This morning, the plume is fairly robust and moving to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable; the most recent measurement was 800 tonnes/day on June 24, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. The plume carried small amounts of mostly ash-sized tephra; most was Pele's hair and glassy spatter bits in other shapes; muted gas-rushing sounds are typically heard during the collection routine.

The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded no significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months; after brief extension following the DI event at end of May, slow contraction has resumed.

Seismic tremor amplitudes varied with brief increases every 30-60 minutes. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were within background levels. only one earthquake, beneath the area northwest of the summit, was strong enough to be located. In addition, a magnitude-3.0 earthquake which occurred at 3 am this morning was located within the Ka`oiki seismic zone to the west between Kilauea and Mauna Loa (see tux.wr.usgs.gov).

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. The most recent measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on June 24, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded within the crater overnight since September 12, 2008.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded only rain-induced tilting. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1 cm of contraction over the past month and almost 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Yesterday, HVO geologists reported a strong plume at Waikupanaha and a weaker one at Kupapa`u, no active surface flows on the coastal plain, and not much obvious surface activity low on the pali. Yesterday, MODIS imagery recorded thermal anomalies on the pali within the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision centered at the 310 m (1,000 ft) elevation - same as the day before. GOES-WEST imagery included an intermittent weaker thermal anomaly from the TEB flows through this morning suggesting continuing but declining surface flow activity.

HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.

Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://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, June 25, 2009 7:28 AM HST (Thursday, June 25, 2009 17:28 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 vent displayed a weak but warm, red glow last night. Lava from east rift zone vents flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at two locations west of Kalapana; active surface flows continue on the pali. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the Halema`uma`u and Pu`u `O`o vents remain elevated.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Molten lava is present in the neck of an inclined, funnel-shaped cavity beneath the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater and is most visible at dusk and dawn in our Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam; when weather allows, glow from the lava has been visible to the naked eye from the Jaggar Museum most nights since the end of May. The lava level has been variable apparently rising several meters for brief periods before returning to depths around 290 m (950 ft) below the Halema`uma`u Crater rim webcam; activity of the lava surface also varies from vigorous bubbling and churning to relatively slow circulation and crusting.

This morning, the plume is fairly robust and moving to the southwest. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and variable; the most recent measurement was 800 tonnes/day on June 24, compared to the 2003-2007 average rate of 140 tonnes/day. Since June 21, the plume carried decreasing amounts of mostly ash-sized tephra; most was Pele's hair and glassy spatter bits in other shapes; muted gas-rushing sounds are typically heard during the collection routine.

The network of tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit recorded completion of the DI tilt event and no other significant tilting. The GPS network (less sensitive than the tiltmeter network) recorded about 1 cm of contraction across the caldera over the past 3 months; after brief extension following the DI event at end of May, slow contraction has resumed.

Seismic tremor amplitudes varied with brief increases every 30-60 minutes. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes were within background levels. Of the earthquakes that were strong enough to be located, none were beneath Halema`uma`u Crater and a deep magnitude-3.2 earthquake was located off the south shore (see tux.wr.usgs.gov).

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma continues to degas through Pu`u `O`o Crater before erupting from vents to the east. The most recent measurement was 1,400 tonnes/day on June 24, compared to the 2003-2007 average of about 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded within the crater overnight since September 12, 2008.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded no significant tilting. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have documented about 1 cm of contraction over the past month and almost 5 cm over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels remain at low values.

Lava from the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex flows through tubes to the coast and is entering the ocean at Waikupanaha and Kupapa`u. Yesterday morning, UHH geologists reported a strong plume at Waikupanaha and a weaker one at Kupapa`u and not much obvious surface activity on the pali. Yesterday afternoon, MODIS imagery recorded thermal anomalies on the pali within the abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision centered at the 310 m (1,000 ft) elevation - higher than during the past week. GOES-WEST imagery included an intermittent thermal anomaly from the TEB flows through this morning suggesting continuing activity.

HAZARD ALERT: The lava delta and adjacent areas both inland and out to sea are some of the most hazardous areas on the flow field. Frequent delta/bench collapses give little warning, can produce hot rock falls inland and in the adjacent ocean, and can produce large but local waves. The steam plume produced by lava entering the ocean contains fine lava fragments and an assortment of acid droplets that can be harmful to your health. The rapidly changing conditions near the ocean entry have been responsible for many injuries and a few deaths.

Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://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)