New Map of East Rift Zone Released

The U.S. Geological Survey released a map and photos of the East Rift Zone on Thursday, May 31, 2018.

Map as of 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2018.

Given the dynamic nature of Kīlauea’s lower East Rift Zone eruption, with changing vent locations, fissures starting and stopping, and varying rates of lava effusion, map details shown here are accurate as of the date/time noted. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960 and 2014-2015.

Lava from fissure 18 travels to the southeast (lower left of photo). The flow front that had approached the ocean yesterday has stalled.

This view is looking uprift, with fissure 8 in the distance (upper right of photo).

Helicopter overflight shows advancing lobes from fissure 8 (fissure 8 is not pictured but located to the right, out of view).

The flow moved north of Highway 132 in the vicinity of Noni Farms and Halekamahina roads, from which the two easternmost lobes advanced in a more east-northeasterly direction while the westernmost lobe advanced in a northeasterly direction. (Click to enlarge)

Advance rates were less than 100 yards per hour for the three lobes of the flow, as measured during the overnight hours.

Lava from fissure 8 advances on Kahukai Street.

Click to enlarge.

Lava in this area is as much as 3.5 yards in height.