A new fissure eruption in September 2011 on the flank of Pu‘u ‘O‘o on Kilauea Volcano’s east rift zone reminds us of the need to be aware of our ever-changing volcanic environment on Hawaii Island. “Volcano Awareness Month” events in January 2012 offer island residents and visitors many opportunities to learn more about Hawaii’s active volcanoes.

MEDIA RELEASE

During the month of January 2012, Hawaii Island residents and visitors are invited to participate in a number of events to learn more about the volcanoes on which they live, work, and play.

These events are part of Hawaii Island’s 3rd annual Volcano Awareness Month and a celebration of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s 100th anniversary.

Throughout the month, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, in cooperation with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the University of Hawaii at Hilo, will offer talks in both East and West Hawaii, weekly guided hikes in the park, and other informative programs to promote awareness of Hawaii’s active volcanoes and the importance of understanding how volcanoes and earthquakes can impact our island home.

HVO will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding with an Open House on Saturday, Jan. 21. Residents and visitors are invited to tour the observatory — not ordinarily open to the public — to see how volcanic and earthquake activity is monitored.

HVO staff will be available to answer questions about Hawaii’s volcanoes and to provide demonstrations about their work. HVO is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park next to the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, named for the geologist who founded HVO in 1912.

A complete schedule of all Volcano Awareness Month and HVO centennial events, including descriptions, dates, times, and locations, are posted at hvo.wr.usgs.gov

For further information, email askHVO@usgs.gov or call 808-967-8844 for more information.

Jim Kauahikaua, HVO’s Scientist-in-Charge, encourages everyone to participate in one or more of the events offered in January.

“Volcanoes are an important part of life on Hawaii Island, and all of us who live here must learn to live safely within the dynamics of an ever-changing volcanic environment,” he said.

He said the centennial open house is an opportunity to interact with USGS HVO scientists and learn how they monitor Hawaii’s active volcanoes.

— Find out more:
www.usgs.gov
hvo.wr.usgs.gov