Ongoing Eruption Monitoring at Kīlauea Summit: Insights from Recent Observations and Sampling Missions
The ongoing episodic eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii continues, with the next high lava fountaining event expected to happen soon. Recent observations show some deflation at the summit, indicating a delay in the onset of the next eruption episode. Despite visible glow from the summit vents and intermittent lava spattering, no overflows have been reported recently. The seismic tremor at the summit has slightly increased, with gas emissions remaining elevated at 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes per day, higher than typical levels during eruption pauses.
A recent helicopter overflight by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists allowed them to land on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater to collect a sample of cooled lava from a recent overflow of the summit eruptive vents. These overflows, which have been occurring intermittently, are a precursor to the anticipated thirty-seventh lava fountaining episode. The collected samples provide valuable geochemical data that help in understanding the magma plumbing system beneath the volcano. The sampling activities are conducted in coordination with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor the ongoing volcanic activity at Kīlauea summit closely. The recent observations of gas emissions, seismic tremors, and intermittent lava spattering provide valuable insights into the volcanic processes occurring within the caldera. The data collected during overflights and sampling missions contribute to the scientific understanding of the ongoing eruption and help in assessing potential hazards associated with the volcanic activity.