Hawaiian Volcano Update: Intrusion Effects Spread South

Episodic unrest continues on Kīlauea, with earthquakes south of the summit caldera tailing off last weekend before flaring up again earlier this week. According to the USGS-HVO, “unrest is expected to continue to wax and wane with changes of input of magma in the area. The summit of Kīlauea remains at a high level of inflation and eruptive activity is possible in the coming weeks or months. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or the Southwest Rift Zone.”

A large area between the caldera and south flank continues to adjust in response to the intrusion, perpetuating the pattern evident last week. Now the Outlet station appears to be moving north, following the pattern seen to its east after a delay. This could signify a migration of the intrusion to the south, and the potential of its interaction with the Koaʻe fault zone. If nothing else, the neighboring south flank sped up its movement during this time due to the push from the north.

This changing dynamic brings to mind an intrusion in May 1963, which indeed entered the Koaʻe faults from the Southwest Rift Connector, the focus of present activity. We compare seismicity then to now, and examine its context within the sequence of Kīlauea's eruptions.

Gas emissions remain at background levels for the volcano around 100 tonnes of SO2 per day, but can still affect sensitive individuals in downwind areas. Typically gas emissions are at their worst at the start of each eruption, thus now is the best time for those exposed to prepare.

Maunaloa's deep earthquakes linger on, with the mountain quietly filling otherwise following its 2022 eruption.

As usual we review the monitoring signals, imagery and reports available courtesy of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, annotating the presentation on screen and discussing live viewer questions as we go.

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