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

Lava erupted continuously within Puu Oo over the past week, feeding a small lava lake in the center of the crater. Changes in eruptive output commonly resulted in overflows from the lake that slowly built up the crater floor, which is about 50 m (164 ft) below the east rim of Puu Oo.

No lava is erupting outside the crater.

A small lava lake was also present deep within the Halemaumau Overlook vent during the past week, with minor fluctuations in lava level. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in relatively high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

One earthquake beneath Hawaii Island was reported felt this past week.

A magnitude-2.6 earthquake occurred at 12:43 a.m. Wednesday, May 18 and was located 31 km (20 mi) west-northwest of Hilo at a depth of 30.5 km (18.6 mi).

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.