Volcano Activity Update: April 27, 2017

A small delta at the Kamokuna ocean entry (left) continues to slowly build. Observations on April 10 indicated that the coastal plain breakouts that had been active since mid-February have died within the last few days. Currently, the only active surface flows are from the March 5 breakout on the upper flow field. This activity has not significantly advanced, and remains within roughly 2.2 miles of the episode 61g vent. The National Park Service viewing area and rope line are visible in the center of the photo. USGS/HVO photo.

This past week, Kīlauea Volcano’s summit lava lake level fluctuated in concert with summit inflation and deflation, ranging 43 to 72 feet below the vent rim.

On the East Rift Zone, the 61g flow was still active, with lava entering the ocean near Kamokuna and surface breakouts downslope of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō.

These flows do not pose an immediate threat to nearby communities.

Mauna Loa is not erupting.

During the past week, small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded primarily beneath the upper southwest rift zone of the volcano, at depths up to 3 miles and the east flank at depths of 3 to 8 miles. A magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurred in the upper Southwest Rift Zone on April 26.

No earthquakes were reported felt in Hawaii during the past week.

GPS measurements continue to show deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone.

No significant changes in volcanic gas emissions were measured.

The Volcano Activity Update is a weekly article written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates.

Call for summary updates at (808) 967-8862 (Kīlauea) or (808) 967-8866 (Mauna Loa); email questions to [email protected].