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 Eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates. Fissure 8 lava fountains continue to heights of 130-140 ft from within the growing cone of cinder and spatter, which is now about 140 ft at its highest point. Fountaining at Fissure 8 continues to feed the fast moving channelized flow that is entering the ocean at Kapoho. Two prominent entries are creating vigorous steam plumes. Offshore of the entries, areas of upwelling have become more dispersed than when initially sighted. The sporadic spattering from Fissures 16/18 of the last several days has diminished.
Pele's hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. High 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 for several days. Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. Gas emissions have increased over the past two weeks. Trade wind conditions are expected to bring VOG to the south and west sides of the Island of Hawaii. VOG information can be found at https://vog.ivhhn.org/ The ocean entry is a hazardous area. 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. 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. Seismicity remains relatively low in the area with numerous small magnitude earthquakes and low amplitude background tremor. Higher amplitude tremor is occasionally being recorded on seismic stations close to the ocean entry. 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. Kīlauea Volcano Summit Seismicity continues to increase after this morning's explosive eruption. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halema`uma`u continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit. Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano's summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity. For forecasts of where ash would fall under forecast wind conditions, please consult the Ash3D model output here:https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/ash_information.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).
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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.
Photo: Bruce Omori