UPDATE: Puʻu ʻŌʻō Crater Eruption Created Small Flow

*** Updated at 1:40 p.m. on April 10 to include photos. ***

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists say that around 5 p.m. Tuesday, a vent on the south edge of Puʻu ʻŌʻō’s crater erupted a small lava flow on the crater floor. The flow remained throughout Wednesday and the tiltmeter on the north flank of the crater recorded minor variations.

On Thursday, the April 6 breakout continued showing signs of activity as observed by HVO scientists through the use of webcam imaging. The tiltmeter on the north flank was still recording minor variations Thursday.

Webcam images show that the upslope June 27 lava flow breakouts in the East Rift Zone area are still active. The three breakouts are within 4 miles of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. The Feb. 21 breakout continues along the northern flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, while the March 9 breakout that originated near Pu’u Kahauale’a is also still showing signs of activity, and the forked breakout remains 3-4 miles to the northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō

HVO says there hasn’t been any significant change in tilt being recorded at the summit over the past day, although seismic tremor continues at the summit. Episodic bursts have accompanied splattering and temporary drops in lava levels.

Downslope portions of the June 27 lava continue to remain inactive and stalled.

April 9, 2015. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

April 9, 2015. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

April 9, 2015. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

April 9, 2015. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

April 9, 2015. Photo credit: Extreme Exposure Media/Paradise Helicopters.

This photograph, taken on April 9, looks east and shows the breakout about 6 km from Puʻu ʻŌʻō. This breakout consists of several narrow lobes that have expanded the June 27th lava flow margin by a minor amount, with a small amount of vegetation burning. USGS/HVO photo.

This photo, taken April 9, shows a closer look at the leading tip of the farthest downslope breakout. The tip of the breakout was burning forest, and was 6.9 km (4.3 miles) northeast of the June 27th vent on Puʻu ʻŌʻō. USGS/HVO photo.

This photograph, taken April 9, looks upslope and shows another narrow lobe on the breakout that is roughly 6 km (4 miles) northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. This lobe was moving along the south margin of the June 27th flow. USGS/HVO photo.