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

Lava continues to erupt from the TEB vent on Kilauea’s east rift zone and flow through tubes to the ocean at Waikupanaha. A deflation-inflation cycle this past week resulted in a reduction of lava supply for several days, followed by a resumption of flow Wednesday, Sept. 30. 

Breakouts from the tube system started at that time, and these surface flows remain active at the top of Royal Gardens subdivision. The flows are mostly staying close to the breakout point along the east margin of the flow field. 

Faint glow above the vent at Kilauea’s summit has been visible at night. A portion of the Halemaumau vent cavity collapsed Saturday, Sept. 26, followed by the appearance of an active lava pond deep within the vent cavity on the night of Tuesday, Sept. 29. 

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

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

A magnitude-2.3 earthquake occurred at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 beneath Kilauea’s summit at a depth of 4 miles. 

Two earthquakes occurred Sunday, Sept. 27 — a magnitude-2.1 earthquake at 9:52 a.m., 4.3 miles north of Kailua at a depth of 5 miles and a magnitude-2.3 earthquake at 10:22 p.m., 4.3 miles east-northeast of Honaunau at a depth of 3.7 miles. 

A 1.6-magnitude earthquake at 7:11 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, was 10 miles northwest of Mauna Kea’s summit at a depth of 16 miles.