Categorized | Environment

Kilauea eruption update for Monday, March 7

he fissure between Pu‘u ‘O‘o and Napau Crater on Kilauea’s east rift zone erupts lava spatter up to 25 m (80 ft) high. Photo courtesy of HVO

he fissure between Pu‘u ‘O‘o and Napau Crater on Kilauea’s east rift zone erupts lava spatter up to 25 m (80 ft) high. Photo courtesy of HVO

HVO/USGS Volcanic Activity Notice

Volcano: Kilauea (CAVW #1302-01-)

Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING

Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Previous Aviation Color Code: RED

Issued: Monday, March 7, 2011, 6:13 PM HST (20110308/0413Z)
Source: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
Location: N 19 deg 25 min W 155 deg 17 min
Elevation: 4091 ft (1247 m)
Area: HI Hawaii and Pacific Ocean

Volcanic Activity Summary: The eruption on Kilauea volcano’s east rift zone continues this afternoon with intermittent activity at alternating locations along a 2.3 km long fissure located between Puu Oo and Napau Crater. During active periods, effusion rates are high, with lava spatter reaching up to 30 m high.

East rift zone gas emissions are significantly elevated above the 300 tonnes/day measured during the past several months and as recently as March 5, prior to the fissure eruption. Gas measurements March 6 show an average SO2 emission rate of 10,000 tonnes/day, the highest measured on the east rift zone since an eruptive surge in July 2008 produced an emission rate of 7,000 tonnes/day. Summit SO2 emissions March 6 were around 600 tonnes/day.

The TEB eruption system downrift (ENE) of Puu Oo appears to have shut down. During Monday’s overflight of the flow field, no active lava flows were observed on the pali or coastal plain.

Seismicity remains significantly elevated at both Kilauea’s summit and east rift zone.

Deflation appears to be slowing at the summit and east rift zone.

At Kilauea’s summit, the lava lake within the Halemaumau Crater vent is about 200 m deep, based on visual estimates. A rockfall within the vent at 2:23 p.m. Monday produced a vigorous dusty brown plume.

Recent Observations:
[Volcanic cloud height] Unknown
[Other volcanic cloud information] Unknown

Viewing:

The county Kalapana Viewing Area is open 2-10 p.m. daily. Last vehicle allowed in is at 8 p.m.

Visitors should be ready for a 1-mile round-trip hike, should wear appropriate shoes, bring water and flashlights.

Currently, lava cannot be seen from the county viewing area, not even any glowing after dark.

Glowing from Halemaumau Crater can be seen after dark from Jaggar Museum.

* Daily eruption and park viewing update: 985-6000
* County Kalapana Viewing Area update: 961-8093
* Eruption updates: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php

Video taken Sunday (March 6) of the eruption: http://www.nps.gov/havo/photosmultimedia/napau.htm

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