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

Breakouts, scattered from the top of the Pulama pali to the coast along the new eastern flow branch, were active throughout the past week. Lava, entering the ocean at the flow’s terminus, is constructing a new lava delta near a long-buried promontory called Ki.

Expansion of the flow on the coastal plain buried the County’s viewing area by mid-week and had begun to consume the visitor parking area at the end of Highway 130.

As of this writing (Thursday, May 6), the flows had crossed the end of the road and were creeping toward the ocean through thick vegetation, triggering small brush fires and minor methane bursts in the process. More of the highway pavement will likely get covered during the next few days.

At Kilauea’s summit, a ponded, circulating lava surface deep in the collapse pit within the floor of Halemaumau Crater was visible via Webcam throughout the past week. The lava surface remained relatively steady, showing little variation in its depth below the rim of the vent. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

There were no felt earthquakes during the past week.

Visit the HVO Website (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.