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

Surface flows have been active near the top of the pali within and just above the Royal Gardens subdivision. The westernmost of these flows was slowly moving downslope along Alii Avenue and had reached down to about the 1400-ft elevation by Wednesday.

Another deflation/inflation cycle at Kilauea’s summit also started Wednesday, and may cause 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. The deflation phase of the deflation/inflation cycle caused the lava to retreat to a deeper level, but will likely rise again after the volcano begins to inflate. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

One earthquakes beneath Hawaii Island was reported felt during the past week. A magnitude-3.0 earthquake occurred at 2:37 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25 and was located 2 miles west of Pahala at a depth of 23 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 (808) 967-8862 for a Kilauea summary; email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.