LavaTalk: September 6, 2014 update on Kilauea’s lava flow


USGS Kilauea Lava Flow update aerial video for September 6, 2014

This small-scale map shows the June 27th flow in Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone as of September 6, 2014. The area of the flow on September 3 is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as mapped on September 6 at ~11:10 AM is shown in red. The front of the active flow was 13.2 km (8.2 miles) from the vent and 1.4 km (0.9 miles) from the east boundary of the Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve, and was advancing toward the north, roughly parallel to the Forest Reserve boundary. The blue lines show down-slope paths calculated from a 1983 digital elevation model (DEM). For an explanation of down-slope path calculations, see: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1264/. All older Puʻu ʻŌʻō lava flows (1983–2014) are shown in gray; the yellow line marks the lava tube.

This small-scale map shows the June 27th flow in Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone as of September 6, 2014. The area of the flow on September 3 is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as mapped on September 6 at ~11:10 AM is shown in red. The front of the active flow was 13.2 km (8.2 miles) from the vent and 1.4 km (0.9 miles) from the east boundary of the Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve, and was advancing toward the north, roughly parallel to the Forest Reserve boundary. The blue lines show down-slope paths calculated from a 1983 digital elevation model (DEM). For an explanation of down-slope path calculations, see: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1264/. All older Puʻu ʻŌʻō lava flows (1983–2014) are shown in gray; the yellow line marks the lava tube.

This large-scale map shows the distal part of the June 27th flow in relation to nearby Puna communities. The area of the flow on September 3 is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as mapped on September 6 at ~11:10 AM is shown in red. The black dots mark the flow front on specific dates. September 6 point Lat/Lon position: 19.448003/-154.992676 Decimal Degrees; WGS84. The blue lines show down-slope paths calculated from a 1983 digital elevation model (DEM; for calculation details, see http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1264/).

This large-scale map shows the distal part of the June 27th flow in relation to nearby Puna communities. The area of the flow on September 3 is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as mapped on September 6 at ~11:10 AM is shown in red. The black dots mark the flow front on specific dates. September 6 point Lat/Lon position: 19.448003/-154.992676 Decimal Degrees; WGS84. The blue lines show down-slope paths calculated from a 1983 digital elevation model (DEM; for calculation details, see http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1264/).

This shaded-relief map, courtesy of the Carnegie Airborne Observatory, shows some of the cracks, faults, and grabens (down-dropped blocks between adjacent faults; http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/glossary/?term=graben) that are present in Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone, and which are partly controlling the June 27th flow’s advance direction. They are not old lava channels. The June 27th flow as of September 3 is shown in pink, while flow advance since then (as of ~11:10 AM on September 6) is partly transparent and shown in red. At the time of the mapping, the flow had mostly filled a ground crack (which extended to the west and was steaming) and was advancing toward the north.

This shaded-relief map, courtesy of the Carnegie Airborne Observatory, shows some of the cracks, faults, and grabens (down-dropped blocks between adjacent faults; http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/glossary/?term=graben) that are present in Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone, and which are partly controlling the June 27th flow’s advance direction. They are not old lava channels. The June 27th flow as of September 3 is shown in pink, while flow advance since then (as of ~11:10 AM on September 6) is partly transparent and shown in red. At the time of the mapping, the flow had mostly filled a ground crack (which extended to the west and was steaming) and was advancing toward the north.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Eruption Audio Update for September 6, 2014

Hawaii County Civil Defense lava flow update

This is an Eruption and Lava Flow Information Update for 10 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2014.

Helicopter over flights and assessments are continuing. This morning’s assessment shows the surface lava flow continues very slowly in a north direction. Very little vegetation is burning and there is no wildfire threat at this time. The surface flow has advanced approximately 50 yards since yesterday. The presence of steam plumes being emitted from the crack system indicates subsurface flow activity continues. The surface flow is moving very slowly and does not pose an immediate threat to area residents. The surface flow is located approximately .8 miles southwest or upslope of the Wao Kele Puna Forest Reserve boundary and moving in a north direction.

Due to the proximity of the lava flow activity to the nearby residential areas, the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory has elevated the eruption alert level to an Eruption Warning as of Thursday September 4th. Presently, the current activities and flow does not present with an immediate or imminent threat to area communities. No evacuation is required at this time. Eruption activity will continue to be monitored and additional updates will be provided.

Although the current flow activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities, residents are encouraged to continue to review their emergency plans in the event conditions change and should an evacuation be necessary.

The public is reminded that the flow cannot be accessed and is not visible from any public areas. Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision will be restricted and limited to subdivision residents only.

USGS/Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Saturday, September 6, 2014 Lava Flow Update

June 27th Lava Flow Observations: The June 27th lava flow remains active. A Civil Defense overflight yesterday morning reported a reduction in surface activity at the flow front, with fewer active breakouts on the surface and less burning. However, steaming continued in cracks around the flow front, suggesting that lava continues to move beneath the surface. The flow front at that time did not appear to have advanced significantly from the previous day (Sept. 4), when the flow front was 13.3 km (8.3 miles) from the vent and 1.2 km (0.7 miles) from the eastern boundary of the Wao Kele o Puna forest reserve. The HVO overflight that was scheduled for yesterday was postponed until today due to mechanical issues. Another HVO flight is planned for Monday.

Small breakouts also remain active closer to Puʻu ʻŌʻō, roughly midway along the length of the June 27th flow. None of these breakouts have been very vigorous recently, and there was no significant change overnight based on webcam views. Some of these breakouts are also creeping into the forest and producing smoke plumes.

Image from a camera positioned northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, near the east margin of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō lava flow field, monitoring the June 27th lava flow. The camera looks northeast, down the East Rift Zone. The cone near the right side of the image is Heiheiahulu. Photo courtesy of USGS/HVO

Image from a camera positioned northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, near the east margin of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō lava flow field, monitoring the June 27th lava flow. The camera looks northeast, down the East Rift Zone. The cone near the right side of the image is Heiheiahulu. Photo courtesy of USGS/HVO

HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY

Unpredictable lava flows in the Puna District have seemingly stalled, however they remind us that upfront planning now can ease stressful situations should there be a need to evacuate. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The Hawaii Island Humane Society has a few tips to help keep animals safe in the event of an evacuation:

HIHS encourages all pet owners to be safe and prepared. If you are advised to evacuate, please consider your pet’s safety. Do not leave animals behind.

Develop a plan for their ongoing care including transportation arrangements.

Larger animals including horses and livestock may need to be moved well in advance. Call friends or family members to locate alternate pastures.

Gather items for your pet’s emergency kit –

  • Crate
  • Leash
  • Food
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Identification
  • Medication (if applicable)

If you evacuate, arrive at your destination prepared with your pet’s emergency kit and take your pets!

The mission of the Hawaii Island Humane Society is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals. HIHS holds a contract with the County of Hawaii to enforce certain animal-related laws and it offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost and found assistance, micro-chipping and more.

For further information, call 808-329-1175 or visit www.hihs.org

HelpPuna.com Helps Animal Evacuation

The June 27 lava flow poses a threat to farms and homes in the Puna area near Pahoa. Since this flow is in an agricultural area, it also threatens farm animals such as chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, in addition to dogs and cats.

All these animals would need to be evacuated in the event of an approaching lava flow. As people prepare for possible evacuation, they need to prepare and plan for evacuating their livestock and pets, too.

Finding accommodations for displaced people and their animals could become a major challenge as this lava flow continues. H.E.L.P. Puna is providing a free website service for residents who need to find places to protect their animals, and other residents in safe areas who wish to offer their properties as “Places of Refuge”.

H.E.L.P. is the Hawaii Evacuation of Livestock and Pets, a program of the Good Shepherd Foundation, a nonprofit organization with an animal sanctuary in Opihikao, not far from the lava flow.

Everyone is invited to offer their property as a haven from the lava flow for any livestock and pets they can accommodate. Some will be willing to accept only certain types of animals, such as dogs or cats. Others may have large fenced pastures or yards where they can take horses, sheep, or goats. Still others may have small backyards where they can only take chickens.

Those offering their places as refuges can do so for free or for a fee. It is between the parties to decide all financial issues and ensure there is a good fit.

We also invite those with animal trailers to offer their services on this website. Some people will need help moving their animals.

— Find out more:
www.HelpPuna.com

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