Earthquake Activity Decreased Slightly Sunday South of Kīlauea Caldera

Earthquakes in the south part of the Kīlauea summit region with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have decreased slightly, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

For the past week, HVO experts have been recording swarms of earthquakes south of the caldera. Kīlauea volcano is not erupting and the East Rift Zone remains quiet. However, intrusive activity that began on Aug. 23 continues.

Over the past 24 hours, approximately 95 earthquakes were recorded at Kīlauea summit and south of Kīlauea caldera. Most of the earthquakes were less than magnitude 2 and occurred approximately 0.6-2.5 miles below the surface.

HVO states these small earthquakes have occurred at up to seven detected earthquakes per hour. These earthquake rates are significantly lower than the rates observed a week ago.

The rate of ground deformation beneath the south part of Kīlauea summit region decreased slightly on the evening of Aug. 28. Additionally, the intrusive pulse spanning Aug. 23-25 is also slightly lower.

“These observations suggest that magma is continuing to be supplied to the ongoing intrusion,” HVO stated.

HVO began recording a swarm of earthquakes south of the caldera on Aug. 23. Ground deformation in Kīlauea’s south summit region continues, though at a rate slightly lower than the rates seen in the first intrusive pulse spanning Aug. 23-25.

At the time of this statement, activity continues but there is no indication of upward migration of earthquakes toward the surface or change in deformation that would indicate shallowing of the source intrusive activity.

Accordingly, Kīlauea’s Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code remain at ADVISORY/YELLOW.