Hawaiian Volcano Update: Kīlauea Quiet Through Swarm at Kamaʻehukanaloa, November 7, 2024

Kīlauea has been quiet this past week through bouts of heavy weather, as the volcano continues filling underground without much fanfare. However, underwater to the south, Kamaʻehuakanaloa volcano (formerly known as Lōʻihi) experienced a swarm of 110 earthquakes “likely related to magma migration” but without any indication of eruption between November 1 and 5. The seamount’s last confirmed eruption was in 1996, accompanied by over 95 events between magnitudes 4 and 5 – in contrast, this week’s activity was highlighted by one such event, a magnitude 4.3 on November 2. Other swarms and large earthquakes have been noted on Kamaʻehuakanaloa in 2021, 2020, 2017, 2012, 2006, 2005 and 2001 following the 1996 eruption, and also in 1990, 1975, 1972, and 1971 prior; thus, this activity is noteworthy but not unusual. 

On Kīlauea, seismic rates remain low, with only minor ground deformation following the same pattern as last week – slow inflation in the summit and south caldera, possible filling within the Upper East Rift, and stable with no movement near the recent eruption site near Nāpau Crater and west of Puʻuʻōʻō, which also shows no activity.  Gas emissions have remained around the volcanic background near 60 tonnes of SO2 per day, still the greatest volcanic threat to people, especially those with respiratory sensitivities. Neighboring Maunaloa continues its refilling pattern with background levels of earthquakes following the 2022 eruption.

This month brings several volcanic anniversaries into our focus, and this week we review the build-up to Maunaloa’s eruption in November 2022. Earthquakes ramped up significantly in September of that year, leading to a preparedness campaign focused on the volcano’s most threatening areas for people. We present edited highlights of the presentation by HVO’s Frank Trusdell and Ingrid Johanson as part of Volcano Awareness Month earlier this year.

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