This animated GIF shows a sequence of radar amplitude images that were acquired by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana CosmoSkyMed satellite system. The images illustrate changes to the caldera area of Kīlauea Volcano that occurred between May 5 and June 18 at about 6:00 a.m. HST. The satellite transmits a radar signal at the surface and measures the strength of the return, with bright areas indicating a strong return and dark areas a weak return. Strong returns indicate rough surfaces or slopes that point back at the radar, while weak returns come from smooth surfaces or slopes angled away from the radar. Over time, expansion of the summit eruptive vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater and the widening of Halema‘uma‘u itself are clear. The last five images in the sequence, from May 29-June 18, show the development of several cracks outside Halema‘uma‘u (also seen in recent UAS footage of the crater) and inward slumping of a large portion of the western, southwestern, and northern crater rim. Much of this motion appears to be coincident with the small explosions from the summit that have taken place on a nearly daily basis over the past 3 weeks. We expect this slumping to continue as long as the explosions and overall subsidence persist.
Geology field crews on the ground near the KÄ«lauea’s fissure 8 midday on June 19, 2018 observed a still-vigorous channelized lava flow being fed by lava fountains at the vent. Standing waves are visible within the channel. Cascades/rapids are visible near the base of the cone, which is an estimated 50 m (164 ft) high. The maximum flow velocity in the channel is 7.7 m/s (17 mph). During the morning overflight, several small overflows could be seen along the channel margins. The flow of lava is more rapid in the center of the channel and decreases in speed toward the margins where friction with the channel walls increases. The lava flow forks as it nears the ocean, creating two ocean entry points. Video taken Tuesday, June 19, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey.
Fissure 8 vigor increased overnight June 18-19 with lava fountains reaching up to 60 m (200 ft). Spatter built up the cone to the east and into the channel. In this photograph, spatter lands on the east cone and flows downward. Photo taken Tuesday, June 19, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Fissure 8 lava fountains obscured by a longer exposure photograph taken early morning on June 18. The incandescent spots along a horizontal line mark the edge of the lava channel. A tongue of incandescent lava leads down to the right – a small overflow from the channel margin. Photo taken Tuesday, June 19, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
The northern channel margin of the fissure 8 lava flow. Small hill in the distance is the site of our PGcam. Overflows from the channel can be seen producing shiny black to silver pahoehoe flows (incandescent red breakout visible in center of photo). These flows are building up the channel margins and making the levees more robust. Photo taken Tuesday, June 19, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Fissure 8 cone, lava fountain, and channelized lava flow on the morning overflight – June 19 at about 6:10 a.m HST. The lava channel is very full with many small overflows visible on the channel margins. Overflows are sluggish and move slowly downslope as they build up the levees. Photo taken Tuesday, June 19, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
During the helicopter overflight on June 18, crews captured this image of the growing Halema‘uma‘u crater viewed to the southeast. With HVO and Jaggar Museum sitting on the caldera rim (right side, middle where the road bends to the left) it is easier to comprehend the scale of subsidence at the summit. The estimated total volume loss is about 260 million cubic meters as of June 15th. Photo taken Monday, June 18, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Halema‘uma‘u viewed toward the west during the June 18 helicopter overflight. HVO and Jaggar Museum can barely be seen on the caldera rim in the upper right of the photograph. Photo taken Monday, June 18, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Map as of 1:00 p.m. HST, June 19, 2018. Given the dynamic nature of KÄ«lauea’s lower East Rift Zone eruption, with changing vent locations, fissures starting and stopping, and varying rates of lava effusion, map details shown here are accurate as of the date/time noted. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.
This thermal map shows the fissure system and lava flows as of 6 am on Saturday, June 19. The fountain at Fissure 8 remains active, with the lava flow entering the ocean at Kapoho.The channel is very full and is overflowing to produce short pahoehoe lava flows that overtop the levees. Very small, weak spattering and short flows have been active near the Fissure 6 area. The black and white area is the extent of the thermal map. Temperature in the thermal image is displayed as gray-scale values, with the brightest pixels indicating the hottest areas. The thermal map was constructed by stitching many overlapping oblique thermal images collected by a handheld thermal camera during a helicopter overflight of the flow field. The base is a copyrighted color satellite image (used with permission) provided by Digital Globe.
This is a Civil Defense Message for 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to erupt with a full channel flowing to the ocean at multiple points. Fissure 15 has mild spattering and Fissure 6 is oozing.
The National Weather Service says light winds overnight will push emissions into the interior of the Big Island, including Hilo, northern and western parts of the Big Island. Tradewinds are expected to build by Thursday.
The following resources are available to residents of Hawaii County who suffered damage or losses from the Kilauea volcanic eruption and recent earthquakes:
A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is located at the Kea‘au High School Gym
The Hawaii Dept. of Health will be holding Volcanic Ash and Vog Community Meetings tomorrow at Konawaena Elementary School in Kealakekua beginning at 5 p.m. and Thursday at Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School Cafeteria beginning at 6 p.m.
Tropic Care 2018 continues tomorrow with free medical, dental and eye care at Kea‘au High School from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The Pahoa Post Office is open during normal business hours with temporary Sunday hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for mail and package distribution only for residents in the affected areas. No retail services on Sunday.
For your safety, heed warnings from Civil Defense officials and stay alert.
Ocean entry laze
Due to the lava entry at the ocean, the following policies are in effect:
Access to the area is prohibited due to the laze hazard.
Stay away from any ocean plume since it can change direction without warning.
The U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the ocean entry area and enforcing a 300-meter standoff zone. Only permitted tour boats are allowed in the area.
Health hazards of laze include lung, eye and skin irritation.
Be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.
Get the latest Vog Predictions here: http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/vmap/
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Vog
Click on image for full description of air quality levels.
Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents in lower Puna.
Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas from fissures are especially dangerous for elderly, children/babies and people with respiratory problems.
County, State, and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.
Monitor vog levels and forecasts: People on Hawaii Island outside the area of volcanic activity are also advised to monitor levels of vog at https://vog.ivhhn.org
The residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time. We ask for your help and understanding.
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