(Activity updates are written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.)

Surface flows were active above the pali through the first part of the week. One of these flows reached down into the Royal Gardens subdivision before the deflation phase of another deflation/inflation cycle at Kilauea’s summit caused all the surface flows to slow or stop. Surface flows in the same general area above the pali will likely start again when the volcano re-inflates.

At Kilauea’s summit, the lava surface deep within the collapse pit inset within the floor of Halemaumau Crater was visible via webcam early in the week. The deflation phase of the deflation/inflation cycle caused the lava to retreat to a deeper level, and, as a result, night-time glow above the vent was relatively weak by mid-week.

Lava is expected to rise back into webcam view after the volcano begins to inflate. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

Three earthquakes beneath Hawaii Island were reported felt during the past week.

A magnitude-3.0 earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15 and was located 2 miles southwest of Kilauea summit at a depth of 9 miles.

A magnitude-3.1 earthquake occurred at 12:02 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, and was 4 miles southwest of Kawaihae at a depth of 6 miles.

A magnitude-4.3 earthquake occurred at 1:01 p.m. the same day and was 4 miles northwest of Pahala at a depth of 4 miles.

Visit the HVO Web site (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov) for detailed Kilauea and Mauna Loa activity updates, recent volcano photos, recent earthquakes, and more; call 967-8862 for a Kilauea summary; email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.