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

Two lava flows remain active on the pali. During the past week, the easternmost flow advanced to below the 200-foot elevation along the east margin of the Quarry lava flow. The coastal plain and ocean entry remained inactive as of Dec. 16.

Lava flows from an active vent in the northwest corner of the Puu Oo crater have covered the western half of the crater floor. Recent flows within Puu Oo have increased the height of its crater floor 13 meters (43 feet) since Oct. 6.

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. The lava high stands temporarily ceased at the beginning of the week, but resumed Dec. 14. 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-2.8 micro-earthquake occurred Thursday, Dec. 9, at 10:06 a.m., and was located 22 km (13 miles) west-northwest of Kawaihae at a depth of 16 km (10 miles).

A magnitude-3.2 earthquake occurred on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 9:57 p.m., and was located 53 km (33 miles) west of Kailua at a depth of 36 km (22 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.