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

Reduced coastal plain surface flow activity and ocean entry vigor has been countered by an increase in activity upslope. As of Thursday, May 27, a large breakout high on the flow field had constructed a low shield topped by a lava pond. This breakout apparently captured much of the lava supply feeding the Ki entry.

At Kilauea’s summit, a circulating lava pond deep in the collapse pit within the floor of Halemaumau Crater was visible via Webcam throughout the past week. The lava level remained relatively steady most of the time, with only a few fluctuations in its depth. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

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

A magnitude-3.2 earthquake occurred at 7:23 a.m. Friday, May 21 and was located 5 km (3 miles) southwest of Kailua-Kona at a depth of 40 km (25 miles).

A magnitude-2.4 earthquake occurred at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, May 27, and was located 42 km (26 miles) west of Kailua-Kona, at a depth of 26 km (17 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; e-mail questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.