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

Over the past week, activity on the east rift zone flow field remained focused on the construction of low lava shields high above the pali. Some lava flows shed from the shields likely advanced a short distance toward the south and southeast, but none were reported to have crested the top of the pali. No surface flows have been reported on the pali or coastal plain for the last several weeks.

The only incandescence observed at Puu Oo crater was from a small opening midway up the vertical eastern wall of the crater.

At Kilauea’s summit, a circulating lava pond deep in the collapse pit within the floor of Halemaumau Crater was visible via the Webcam throughout the past week. The baseline lava level was punctuated sporadically by short-lived lava-level increases. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

Two earthquakes beneath Hawaii Island were reported felt during the past week.

A magnitude-2.7 earthquake occurred at 1:51 a.m. Tuesday, June 29 and was located 13 km (8 miles) west of Kaena Point at a depth of 7 km (5 miles).

A magnitude-3.6 earthquake occurred at 8:55 a.m. on the same day and was located 10 km (6 miles) northwest of Kaena Point at a depth of 35 km (22 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.