Categorized | Sci-Tech

Volcano Watch: Kilauea activity update for week of Dec. 24

(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 the Waikupanaha location west of Kalapana. Lava flows were active on the pali early in the week, but a deflation-inflation cycle at the summit caused surface activity to slow or stop altogether by midweek.

Glow above the collapse pit inset within the floor of Halemaumau Crater, at Kilauea’s summit, has been visible at night from the Jaggar Museum. Lava was visible through an opening in the floor of the collapse pit throughout the week, as recorded by the Webcam perched on the rim of Halemaumau.

The lava level, however, dropped in response to the deflation-inflation cycle. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

One earthquake beneath Maui Island was reported felt this past week. A magnitude-3.7 earthquake occurred at 11:39 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 and was located 33 miles north of Kahului, Maui, at a depth of 12 miles.

Visit the HVO Website (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov) for detailed Kilauea and Mauna Loa activity updates, recent volcano photos, recent earthquakes, and more; call 967-8862 for a Kilauea summary; email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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