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

Lava erupted repeatedly within the crater at Puu Oo over the past week, with activity generally increasing through the week. The lava remains confined, however, within the crater about 90 m (~295 ft) below the east rim of Puu Oo; no lava is erupting outside the crater.

A small lava lake was also present deep within the Halemaumau Overlook vent over the past week. At times, the lava level fluctuated gently over periods of tens of minutes to a few hours due to sporadic rise-and-fall cycles.

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

Two earthquakes beneath Hawaii Island were reported felt this past week.

A magnitude-2.5 earthquake occurred at 9:58 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011, and was located 14 km (9 mi) northwest of Naalehu at a depth of 6 km (4 mi).

A magnitude-3.0 earthquake occurred at 11:49 a.m. on the same day and was located 23 km (14 mi) southwest of Waikoloa Village at a depth of 35 km (22 mi).

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.

Puu Oo continues to host a small lava lake at the bottom of the crater. Minor spattering and overturning of the lake surface was observed by field crews Friday, April 15. (Photo courtesy of USGS)