(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, and were close to the bottom of the pali.

No surface flows have been reported on the coastal plain for the last several weeks.

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-2.2 earthquake occurred at 6:43 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 and was located 1 km (1 mile) north of Kilauea Summit at a depth of 2 km (1 mile).

A magnitude-2.4 earthquake occurred at 8:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, and was located 7 km (4 miles) west of Waikoloa Village at a depth of 8 km (5 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.