#deformation

Mauna Loa’s Volcano Alert Level is at Normal and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory expects to see changes such as increased seismicity or gas emissions before any future eruption; keeping a close eye on the volcanoes even during quiet times can teach important lessons that will inform our interpretations and decisions as conditions change.

Volcanologists use interferograms to detect unrest by observing how the surface of a volcano is deforming in response to migrating magma beneath the ground. But while interferograms can be beautiful and informative, they are also difficult to interpret.

While scenarios such as a new pit crater forming in the Chain of Craters or large seaward movement of the volcano’s south flank are less likely, current conditions provide an excellent opportunity to better understand what can happen in the long run.

The unrest could represent another pulse of magma being supplied to the upper East Rift Zone following the intrusive event July 22-25 near Pauahi Crater.

Based on past historical activity, this event is much more likely to continue as an intrusion, but there is still a possibility of it ending in an eruption.

Seismicity beneath the summit region, which began Oct. 4, also decreased with the change in deformation early Saturday morning and remained low as of about 9 a.m. Saturday.