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

Over the past week, lava flows have been active on the pali and coastal plain in two distinct lobes west of Kalapana. The easternmost of the active flow lobes continues to advance slowly to the south and southeast near the end of Highway 130, one portion creating a small ocean entry. The western lobe has scattered breakouts throughout its length on the coastal plain.

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. Several pieces of the Halemaumau crater floor collapsed into the lava lake at 2:30 p.m. and 2:38 p.m. Jan. 21.

The largest collapse caused a small explosion that littered the rim of Halemaumau crater downwind of the vent with spatter up to 8 cm (3 in) across. The opening on the floor of Halemaumau crater is now 144 m (472 ft) east-to-west by 142 m (466 ft).

The circulation pattern of the lava lake was interrupted by the explosion, and only a few short-lived increases in the height of the lava surface have occurred since Tuesday, Jan. 25.

A DI event spanning several days occurred this week but has leveled off since Monday afternoon (Jan. 24).

Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

Three earthquakes beneath the Hawaiian Islands were reported felt Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

A magnitude-2.4 earthquake occurred at 8:45 p.m. (HST) Wednesday, Jan. 26 and was located 2 km (1 mile) northeast of Kilauea summit at a depth of 2 km (1 mile).

A magnitude-1.8 earthquake occurred at 9:25 p.m. later that same night, and was located 3 km (2 miles) northeast of Kilauea summit at a depth of 1 km (1 mile).

A magnitude-1.9 earthquake occurred at 7:51 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, and was located 4 km (3 miles) southwest of Puulena Crater at a depth of 0 km (0 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.