Hawaiian Volcano Update: Kīlauea Inflation Shifts South, Review 5 Eruptions 2020-23

During this first week of March, Kīlauea continued to inflate following its large Southwest Rift intrusion in late January/early February. Summit monitoring streams still show little net change around Halemaʻumaʻu, which is still producing frequent deflation-inflation cycles while gently inflating. However, the south caldera area connected to the SW Rift has generated a few more earthquakes within the past week, and shows to be the center of uplift over the past two weeks based on satellite radar data. Farther southwest, the volcano’s flank appears to have stabilized after its notable adjustments last week. Volcanic gas emissions, the main current threat to residents and visitors, remain relatively low around 85 tonnes of SO2 per day, though are still a concern for sensitive individuals nearby.

Otherwise, Maunaloa remains fairly quiet with few earthquakes and sustained inflation as it recharges with magma, and remains at the lowest USGS warning level. 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.

As a bonus this week, we delve into Kīlauea’s 5 summit eruptions from 2020 to 2023, reviewing the USGS presentation from Volcano Awareness Month in January 2024. We also announce the first donation drive of the year for our nonprofit work.

To support our productions please like, share and subscribe, and consider making a donation at https://hveri.org/donate .