Minimal Activity Continues at Summit and LERZ

VIDEO: Between mid-May and early August 2018, the depth of Halema‘uma‘u more than tripled and its diameter more than doubled as magma from Kīlauea’s shallow summit reservoir moved into the lower East Rift Zone. Evidence of subsidence is visible in this video, taken during an early morning helicopter overflight on Aug. 6, 2018. Cracks and down-dropped blocks of the caldera floor have slumped into Halema‘uma‘u. At the base of the steep crater walls are piles of talus (rock fragments) shaken loose during previous summit collapse events. Areas of persistent steaming within the crater, in the vicinity of the former lava lake, are also visible. Aug. 7, 2018, video, USGS.

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, 6:30 a.m.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that eruptive activity remains minimal at Kīlauea Summit and at the Lower East Rift Zone from Fissure 8.

Seismic activity at the summit is low, with few earthquakes.

Field crews overnight report a lava pond confined to Fissure 8.

Fissure 8 on Aug. 8, 2018, at 8 a.m. PC: Renee Collins

HVO continues to monitor Kīlauea for possible signs of reactivation.

The following guidelines remain in effect:

• Do not access the flow field due to extreme hazard. Lava eruption could resume at any time.
• Motorists on Highway 11 between the 28 and 32 mile marker are advised to stay on the pavement, be alert for changes in road conditions, and drive with caution.
• The Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Pāhoa Community Center is closed today due to Hurricane Hector.