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

The low shield that began to form Nov. 30 at the top of the pali was no longer producing lava flows, but was hosting a perched lava pond.

On the pali, there were several active breakouts reaching the 600-foot level, as of Dec. 9. The coastal plain and ocean entry remain inactive.

At Kilauea’s summit, the circulating lava lake in the collapse pit deep within the floor of Halemaumau Crater has been visible via Webcam throughout the past week. The circulation pattern was interrupted sporadically by abrupt increases in the height of the lava surface.

These periods of high lava level have been short-lived, lasting up to several hours, and each ended with a sudden drop of the lava surface back to its previous level.

By the end of the week, the lava high stands had temporarily ceased. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

No earthquakes beneath Hawaii Islands 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.