Kilauea Summit Update – 5/20/15

Normal background seismic levels have returned to the areas below the summit of Kilauea, as well as the upper East Rift Zone and Southwest Rift Zone, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

HVO reported a small decrease in tilt in the south caldera of Kilauea Wednesday morning. The observatory says these changes are consistent with the magma accumulation occurring in the Southwest Rift Zone. At the summit, tiltmeters in the past day have recorded flat or minor inflationary tilt. Lava in the Overlook crater also increased slightlyas a result of the slight inflation.

Along the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō , HVO reports no significant tilt. Seismic activity in the Puʻu ʻŌʻō area has also reportedly been normal.

Through observation of webcam and satellite imagery, the June 27 lava flow continues to be observed by HVO scientists as having surface flow activity. The activity originated from breakouts northwest of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, all within 5 miles of the vent.