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

Surface flow activity near Kalapana slowed substantially over the past week, and, as of Thursday, Aug. 12, no active breakouts were reported in the vicinity of the Kalapana Gardens subdivision. Instead, most of the lava activity was focused at a single ocean entry — the Puhi-o-Kalaikini entry — southwest of Kalapana Gardens.

The Puhi-o-Kalaikini entry has built a relatively narrow delta that spans about 900 m (2,950 ft) of coastline. An ongoing deflation/inflation (DI) cycle at Kilauea’s summit may cause the ocean entry to temporarily diminish in size.

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

No earthquakes beneath Hawaii Island were reported felt during the past week.

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.