HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT U.S. Geological Survey Thursday, June 7, 2018, 8:50 AM HST (Thursday, June 7, 2018, 18:50 UTC)
KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010) 19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m) Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING Current Aviation Color Code: RED Kīlauea Volcano Lower East Rift Zone Vigorous eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates. Overnight, lava fountaining at Fissure 8 fluctuated, reaching heights of 230 feet. This activity is feeding a lava channel flowing east to the Kapoho Bay area. Observations by HVO geologists and the University of Hawaii at Hilo UAS crew during the night indicated that the northern lobe of the Fissure 8 flow is not receiving significant lava, and the lobe that was active on the west side of the Four Corners cinder pit is inactive. The morning overflight confirmed these observations and revealed minor overflows from the channel. Lava is entering the ocean along a broad front in the general area of Kapoho Bay and Vacationland. Lava also continues to creep north through what remains of Kapoho Beach Lots. No other fissures are active. Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from high fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. Winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash. The most recent map of lava flows can be found at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html HVO field crews are on site tracking the fountains, lava flows, and spattering from Fissure 8 as conditions allow and are reporting information to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Observations are also collected on a daily basis from cracks in the area of Highway 130; no changes in temperature, crack width, or gas emissions have been noted. Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. For the next few days, easterly wind conditions may bring vog not only to the south and west sides of the Island of Hawaii, but also upslope to the island's interior. The ocean entry is a hazardous area. Hazards include walking on uneven, glassy lava flow surfaces and around unstable, vertical sea cliffs. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water. Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. In several instances, such collapses have also incorporated parts of the older sea cliff. Additionally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates "laze", a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Magma continues to be supplied to the lower East Rift Zone. Earthquake locations have not moved farther downrift in the past few days and the number of located earthquakes remains low. Seismicity remains relatively low with numerous small magnitude earthquakes and low amplitude background tremor. Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava in the area of the active fissures are possible. Residents downslope of the region of fissures should heed all Hawaii County Civil Defense messages and warnings. USGS/HVO continues to monitor the lower East Rift Zone activity 24/7 in coordination with Hawaii County Civil Defense. Kīlauea Volcano Summit Seismic activity at the summit was subdued overnight -- a natural consequence of yesterday afternoon's small explosion. Earthquake activity is on the rise, however, and we anticipate an additional small explosion probably in about 24 hours. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halema`uma`u continues in response to ongoing subsidence of the summit. Over the last week, sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have decreased, but emission rates remain high enough to impact air quality in downwind regions. Additional bursts of gas released with intermittent explosive activity are also transported downwind and may temporarily affect air quality as well. For forecasts of where ash would fall under forecast wind conditions, please consult the Ash3D model output here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/activity_2018.html Information on volcanic ash hazards and how to prepare for ash fall maybe found at http://www.ivhhn.org/information#ash (health impacts) OR https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/ (other impacts). MORE INFORMATION Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862 Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/ Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list): https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/ Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/ CONTACT INFORMATION: askHVO@usgs.gov The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.