(Activity updates are written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.)Â
Over the past week, activity on the east rift zone flow field continued to build low lava shields above the pali and to shed lava flows southward toward the top of the Royal Gardens subdivision. No surface flows have been reported for several days along the recently active Quarry flow from the top of the pali to the coast near the end of Highway 130.
In addition to the surface flows, lava also continues to erupt within Puu Oo crater, though this activity has waned over the past several days.
At Kilauea’s summit, a circulating lava pond deep in the collapse pit within the floor of Halemaumau Crater was visible via the Webcam throughout the past week. The baseline lava level appears to have leveled off after a slow rise that started in late May, but was punctuated a few times by short-lived lava-level increases that brought the lava surface to its highest levels yet recorded.
Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.
No earthquakes beneath Hawaii Island were reported felt during the past week.
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.
All of this could have changed in the past several hours as the tilt has dropped sharply. It has bottomed out but, this could stop or change the current flow. The flows at the top of RG could stall from this deflation. Many times sharp deflations can cause tube blockage deep beneath the ground. This diverts the flow when it returns. Interesting to see if it does change anything.