Fissure Activity Increases Overnight in Lower East Rift Zone

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that fissure activity in the Lower East Rift Zone increased last night, Thursday, May 17, 2018.

Here is an aerial view of the lowermost section of the active fissure system during an overflight early this morning Friday, May, 18. The view is looking toward the south; note ocean at top of photo.

Fissure 17 is the on the left-hand side of photo; fissure 18 is in the middle; and fissure 20 are the two low fountaining areas in the middle right of photo. Click to enlarge. (USGS Photo)

Closer view of fissure 17 (middle photo) and fissure 18 (left side photo) during this morning’s overflight of the area.

View is toward the south. Click to enlarge. (USGS Photo)

View of the fissure system in Leilani Estates looking southwest (uprift). Fissure 17 is the lava fountain at bottom of photo, estimated to be about 50 m (164 ft) high with occasional bursts to about 100 m high (328 ft).

Fissure 18 is the low fountain left of center feeding a lava flow that spreads out of view on left (south). Fissure 20 is in middle of photo, also feeding a lava flow. Note activity further uprift of fissure 20 (field reports suggest that this is fissure 15). Click to enlarge. (USGS Photo)