Report from South Kona

This report, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images was prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Kilauea Volcano is active at two locations. At the summit, reduced ash production and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions continued from the Halema`uma`u vent. Seismic tremor levels continued elevated to several times background levels. At the coast, lava continued to flow from the east rift zone through tubes into the ocean at the Waikupanaha and Ki ocean entries.

TEB lava flows at the coast as of yesterday evening (from combined HVO and NPS eruption crew reports): All four (three Waikupanaha and one Ki) ocean entries were active yesterday but, again, the Ki waxed and waned. Yesterday evening, a small flow was active immediately east of the Ki entry and is, perhaps, diverting some of the supply to it.

Last 24 hours in the area of the east rift zone that includes Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent: Lava continued to degas at shallow levels beneath Pu`u `O`o before entering the lava tube system under the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex and flowing southeast to the ocean. The lack of surface flow activity indicates that the lava tube system continues to be stable.

Incandescence was again observed only from the small skylight immediately adjacent to the TEB vent. The Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter recorded weak deflation from a source to the southeast. Seismic tremor levels increased remained at low values; episodic seismic tremor bursts continued at a rate of 2-3 per hour. The SO2 emission rate was about 2,300 tonnes/day when measured on April 12.

Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Our data suggest that molten lava may reside at shallow depth within the new vent.

A white plume continued to issue from the vent; strong trade winds are blowing the plume to the southwest. Very small amounts of ash were collected from the plume in the past 24 hours augmented by windblown debris including a small twig. Overnight, the base of the plume glowed but no incandescent ejected particles were observed.

The SO2 emission rate was still high. The most recent measurement was 740 tonnes/day on April 12, compared to a background rate between 150-200 tonnes/day.

Seismic tremor levels remained elevated to several times background values. The summit tiltmeter network recorded daily oscillations with a weak tendency toward inflation over the past few days. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the summit caldera recorded slightly accelerated contraction since mid-March. Three earthquakes were located on south flank faults.

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Kilauea Volcano is active at two locations. At the summit, reduced ash production and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions continued from the Halema`uma`u vent. Seismic tremor levels continued elevated to several times background levels. At the coast, lava continued to flow from the east rift zone through tubes into the ocean at the Waikupanaha and Ki ocean entries.

TEB lava flows at the coast as of yesterday evening (from combined HVO and NPS eruption crew reports): A total of three (two Waikupanaha and one Ki) ocean entries were active yesterday. A breakout was crawling toward the ocean along the east margin of the Ki entry.

Last 24 hours in the area of the east rift zone that includes Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent: Lava continued to degas at shallow levels beneath Pu`u `O`o before entering the lava tube system under the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex and flowing southeast to the ocean. The lack of surface flow activity indicates that the lava tube system continues to be stable.

Incandescence was observed only from the small skylight immediately adjacent to the TEB vent. The Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter recorded weak deflation from a source to the southeast. Seismic tremor levels increased slightly after midnight but remained at low values; episodic seismic tremor bursts continued. The SO2 emission rate was about 2,750 tonnes/day when measured on April 11.

Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Our data suggest that molten lava may reside at shallow depth within the new vent.

A white plume continued to issue from the vent; trade winds are blowing the plume to the southwest. Very small amounts of ash were collected from the plume in the past 24 hours. Overnight, the base of the plume glowed between passing fog and mist from a deeper incandescent source.

Seismic tremor levels increased slightly after midnight and remain elevated to several times background values. The summit tiltmeter network recorded daily oscillations. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the summit caldera recorded slowed contraction since late March. Two earthquakes were located on south flank faults; one was a magnitude-2.7 that occurred at 4:18 pm yesterday at a depth of 8 km (5 miles).

The most recent SO2 emission rate measurement was 890 tonnes/day on April 11, compared to a background rate of between 150-200 tonnes/day.

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW#1302-01-)
19.42°N 155.29°W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

This report, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images , was prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Kilauea Volcano is active at two locations. At the summit, ash production and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions continued from the Halema`uma`u vent (both assumed from Monday’s measurements). Seismic tremor levels continued elevated to several times background levels. At the coast, lava continued to flow from the east rift zone through tubes into the ocean at the Waikupanaha and Ki ocean entries.

Hazard Summary: see previous updates.

TEB lava flows at the coast as of yesterday evening (from combined HVO and NPS eruption crew reports): Three Waikupanaha and one Ki ocean entries (total of 4) were active yesterday. The change in weather brought the steam plumes onshore. The only active surface flow noted was about 50 yards inland of the Ki entry.

Last 24 hours in the area of the east rift zone that includes Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent: Lava continued to degas at shallow levels beneath Pu`u `O`o before entering the lava tube system under the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex and flowing southeast to the ocean. The lack of surface flow activity along the tube indicates that it continues to be stable.

Weak incandescence was observed during the day but not overnight from the small skylight adjacent to the TEB vent; no other incandescent vents or active surface flows were seen. The Kalalua flow appeared inactive yesterday morning. No incandescence was observed overnight in south Pu`u `O`o crater by webcam. The Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter recorded daily oscillations with a possible response from a DI tilt event yesterday but the signal was overwritten by a response to rain overnight. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater have recorded no extension or contraction above error since March 27. Seismic tremor levels remained at low values but also responded to the DI event by dropping slightly during the deflation phase and returning to previous levels during the inflation phase; episodic seismic tremor bursts continued. The SO2 emission rate was about 1,780 tonnes/day when last measured on April 8.

Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Our data suggest that molten lava may reside at shallow depth within the new vent.

Eruption of ash in a white plume continued; weak winds allowed the plume to ascend straight up when seen this morning. Over the past several days, the plume contained decreasing amounts of ash. This morning, the collectors, placed southwest of the vent, yielded no ash due to the southerly winds but did collect rain water. Overnight, the base of the plume glowed brightly between rain showers.

Seismic tremor levels continued to be elevated to several times background values. The summit tiltmeter network recorded a DI tilt event starting deflation at 10:43 am and inflation at 9:56 pm, mimicked by variations in summit tremor. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the summit caldera recorded slowed contraction since late March. Four earthquakes were located beneath the summit caldera, two beneath adjacent areas, and one beneath the upper east rift zone.

Wind speeds were not sufficient yesterday morning to get an SO2 emission rate; the most recent measurement was 800 tonnes/day on April 7, compared to a background rate of between 150-200 tonnes/day. Shifting winds yesterday included HVO in the plume; SO2 levels peaked at over 1.5 ppm around 2 pm.

Definitions of terms used in the update:

TEB: Thanksgiving Eve Breakout, the lava flows that started with a breakout on November 21, 2007.

DI tilt event: DI is an abbreviation for ‘deflation-inflation’ and describes a volcanic event of uncertain significance. DI events are recorded by tiltmeters at Kilauea summit as an abrupt deflation of up to a few microradians in magnitude lasting several hours to 2-3 days followed by an abrupt inflation of approximately equal magnitude. The tilt events are usually accompanied by an increase in summit tremor during the deflation phase. A careful analysis of these events suggests that they may be related to changes in magma supply to a storage reservoir at less than 1 km depth, just east of Halema`uma`u crater. Usually, though not always, these changes propagate through the magma conduit from the summit to the eruption site, as many of the DI events at Kilauea summit are also recorded at a tiltmeter at Pu`u `O`o, delayed by 1-2 hours. DI events often correlate with pulses and/or pauses in the eruption at the Pu`u `O`o/July 21/TEB vents.

Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.

A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW#1302-01-)
19.42°N 155.29°W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

This report, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images was prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Kilauea Volcano is active at two locations. At the summit, ash production and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions continued from the Halema`uma`u vent. Ash is being produced at decreasing rates; recent samples have contained mostly volcanic glass. Sulfur dioxide emission rates were still at elevated levels but have decreased since the abrupt jumps in mid March. Seismic tremor levels continued elevated to several times background levels. At the coast, lava continued to flow from the east rift zone through tubes into the ocean at the Waikupanaha and Ki ocean entries (assumed by a lack of reports to the contrary).

Hazard Summary: see previous updates.

TEB lava flows at the coast as of yesterday evening (from combined HVO and NPS eruption crew reports): No report.

Last 24 hours in the area of the east rift zone that includes Pu`u `O`o and the TEB vent: Lava continued to degas at shallow levels beneath Pu`u `O`o before entering the lava tube system under the TEB vent and the rootless shield complex and flowing southeast to the ocean. The lack of surface flow activity along the tube indicates that it continues to be stable.

Weak incandescence was again seen from the small skylight adjacent to the TEB vent; no other incandescent vents or surface flows were seen. No incandescence was observed overnight in Pu`u `O`o crater by webcam. The Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter recorded mostly daily oscillations with no significant signals from the cone. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater recorded no extension or contraction above error since March 27. Seismic tremor levels remained at low values; episodic seismic tremor bursts continued. The SO2 emission rate was about 1,530 tonnes/day when last measured on April 1.

Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Our data suggest that molten lava may reside at shallow depth within the new vent.

Eruption of ash in a white plume continued; the plume contained decreasing amounts of ash. This morning, the ash collectors yielded slightly more material than yesterday and it still consists mostly of volcanic glass. Overnight, the base of the plume glowed brightly; very few ejected incandescent fragments were observed.

Seismic tremor levels continued to be elevated to several times background values. The summit tiltmeter network recorded typical daily oscillations superposed on weak deflation of a source beneath the south caldera. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the summit caldera recorded slowed contraction since late March. Two small, shallow earthquakes were located beneath Halema`uma`u Crater, two were located on south flank faults, and one was located beneath the southwest rift zone.

Wind speeds were sufficient to get an SO2 emission rate measurement of 710 tonnes/day yesterday morning, compared to a background rate of between 150-200 tonnes/day. SO2 concentration 15-minute averages were below detection limits at Jaggar Museum and Kilauea Visitors Center.

Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.

A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html

Lava is currently flowing from a vent that is outside of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The site is east of the eastern boundary of the park and about 12 miles from the summit caldera of Kilauea.

Hawai`i County has opened a viewing area at the end of Highway 130 (the Kea`au – Pahoa bypass road). Visitors may enter the viewing area between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily (vehicles must exit the area by 10 p.m. when the gates will be locked).

Visitors may call the lava update recorded message for more information about the lava viewing area: (808) 961-8093.

Lava viewing conditions are unpredictable and constantly changing. The viewing area may be closed without prior notice. Visitors should be prepared for a long walk. Wear shoes, long light-weight hiking pants, bring a backpack with 3 quarts of bottled water per person and snacks, flashlights are essential for after 6pm – headlamps are helpful.

What began as a new gas vent (fumarole) in Halema`uma`u crater sometime between March 10 and 12, 2008, has progressed to be the first explosive eruption in Halema`uma`u Crater since 1924 and the first lava erupted from the crater since 1982.

The eruption continues.

Saturday, March 29, 2008 07:19 HST (Saturday, March 29, 2008 17:19 UTC)

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW#1302-01-)
19.42°N 155.29°W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

This report, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Kilauea Volcano is active at two locations. At the summit, the Halema`uma`u vent continued erupting ash and switching to a white plume just before 3 pm. Sulfur dioxide emission rates and seismic tremor levels continued elevated to several times background levels. At the coast, lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Waikupanaha and Ki ocean entries. The east margin of the flow field was active in two spots makai of the road.

Hazard Summary: Hazardous conditions exist in the summit area and the area between the rift zone (Pu`u `O`o to Kupaianaha) downslope to the ocean between Kalapana and Kapa`ahu.

1. Summit: The current increase in sulfur dioxide emission rates at the summit means that SO2 concentrations in the air are likely to be at hazardous levels for areas downwind of emission sources in Halema`uma`u crater. The National Park Service has closed Crater Rim Drive through the south caldera area until further notice (http://www.nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm). Most people are sensitive to sulfur dioxide at these levels. Children and individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing problems especially should avoid downwind areas. During tradewind conditions (brisk winds from the northeast), concentrations will be highest and most hazardous in the south caldera: southwest rift zone, south caldera pullouts, and the Halema`uma`u overlook parking lot – The National Park Service has closed this section of Crater Rim Drive. During weak or southerly winds, concentrations may be high and hazardous throughout the summit area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and nearby communities. Stay informed about SO2 concentrations in continuously monitored areas at Jaggar Museum and Kilauea Visitor Center (http:// www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm).

The gas plume also includes fine rock dust downwind of the source. During the past few days, several people have reported a fine grit on their car windshields while driving under or in the ash plume along highway 11 and as far away as South Point. Information on the effects of ash are available at http://www.ivhhn.org/ and http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/.

The possibility of future small explosions or eruption of lava from Halema`uma`u Crater cannot be ruled out.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY CURRENT STATUS REPORT
Friday, March 28, 2008 08:56 HST (Friday, March 28, 2008 18:56 UTC)

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW#1302-01-)
19.42°N 155.29°W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

This report, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images , was prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Kilauea Volcano is active at two locations. At the summit, the Halema`uma`u vent resumed full ash production at about 4:30 pm. Sulfur dioxide emission rates and seismic tremor levels continued elevated to several times background levels. At the coast, lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Waikupanaha and Ki ocean entries. The east margin of the flow field was inactive.

Hazard Summary: Hazardous conditions exist in the summit area and the area between the rift zone (Pu`u `O`o to Kupaianaha) downslope to the ocean between Kalapana and Kapa`ahu.

1. Summit: The current increase in sulfur dioxide emission rates at the summit means that SO2 concentrations in the air are likely to be at hazardous levels for areas downwind of emission sources in Halema`uma`u crater. The National Park Service has closed Crater Rim Drive through the south caldera area until further notice (http://www.nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm). Most people are sensitive to sulfur dioxide at these levels. Children and individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing problems especially should avoid downwind areas. During tradewind conditions (brisk winds from the northeast), concentrations will be highest and most hazardous in the south caldera: southwest rift zone, south caldera pullouts, and the Halema`uma`u overlook parking lot – The National Park Service has closed this section of Crater Rim Drive. During weak or southerly winds, concentrations may be high and hazardous throughout the summit area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and nearby communities. Stay informed about SO2 concentrations in continuously monitored areas at Jaggar Museum and Kilauea Visitor Center (http:// www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm).

The gas plume also includes fine rock dust downwind of the source. During the past few days, several people have reported a fine grit on their car windshields while driving under or in the ash plume along highway 11 and as far away as South Point. Information on the effects of ash are available at http://www.ivhhn.org/ and http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/.

The possibility of future small explosions or eruption of lava from Halema`uma`u Crater cannot be ruled out.

2. Pu`u `O`o/July 21/TEB flow field: Vent areas and lava channels are hazardous and conditions can change rapidly. Sulfur dioxide emissions from Pu`u `O`o are high and result in hazardous concentrations downwind. Access to the 7/21 eruption site in the Kahauale`a Natural Area Reserve is closed (see http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/chair/pio/HtmlNR/07-N076.htm). Wao Kele o Puna is also closed.

There continues to be a threat from lava flows to anyone within Royal Gardens subdivision and the coastal plain. As long as lava flows are active south of fissure D, the subdivision is within likely paths of future flows. The rootless shields, which are now less than two miles from the subdivision, can collapse and release lava flows that advance that distance within a few days. Tube- or channel-fed lava flows established within the subdivision and on the coastal plain remain a threat due to tube ruptures which can produce new lava flows. Lava flows advancing through vegetation are hazardous and can produce fire and methane explosions that propel chunks of lava and rock several feet into the air. Hawai`i County Civil Defense has been notified and is taking appropriate measures (www.lavainfo.us).

Lava entering the ocean poses two additional hazards – potential collapse and laze. Lava entering the ocean builds a delta over its own rubble that is extremely unstable. That delta can collapse without warning and expose very hot surfaces to waves which can explode and throw rock debris up to one-quarter mile inland. For these reason, spectators should avoid the delta and the area one-quarter mile inland. The interaction between seawater and lava produces a steam plume laced with acids and fine particles of volcanic glass or ‘laze’ that is unhealthy if inhaled and can produce skin or eye irritation if contacted. Hawai`i County continues to open a public viewing area between 2 and 10 pm with the last car allowed in at 8 pm. For details, see www.lavainfo.us or call 961-8093.

TEB lava flows at the coast as of yesterday evening (from combined HVO and NPS eruption crew reports): Lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Waikupanaha and Ki ocean entries. The eastern flow field margin was inactive. The lava tube system seems, for the moment, to be stable and transporting lava efficiently to the ocean entries.

Last 24 hours of the TEB vent area: Incandescence was again seen from the TEB vent but not from the rootless shields or from the upper flow field. An overflight is in progress.

Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: Diffuse but weak incandescence was observed overnight in the crater by webcam. The tiltmeter recorded weak deflation from a source to the southeast over the past week but mostly oscillations over the past day. GPS receivers on opposite sides of the crater continued to record contraction at a rate averaging 2 cm/month over the past 3 months. Seismic tremor levels were at low values. The SO2 emission rate was about 2,500 tonnes/day on March 27.

Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: Full ash production resumed at about 4:30 pm yesterday. During the white plume period yesterday between 8 am and 4:30 pm, ash fall near the vent was reduced to approximately 10-20% of the brown plume values. There were no new explosions. Persistent incandescence was reflected in the base of the ash plume from a source below the rim overnight. Seismic tremor levels increased slightly over the past few days. The summit tiltmeter network recorded no tilt signal above typical daily oscillations. Four earthquakes were located beneath an area including Halema`uma`u Crater and to the west of the summit; Three quakes were located on south flank faults and beneath the southwest rift zone.

The sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate from the summit continued to be elevated and was about 750-830 tonnes/day on Mar. 27 (measured twice), compared to a background rate of between 150-200 tonnes/day. The reduced emissions coincide with the white plume and are expected to increase with the resumption of the brown plume as has been observed earlier this week.

Sulfur dioxide concentrations were again below concern at Jaggar museum and Kilauea Visitors Center. Trade (northeasterly) winds kept gas emissions in the south caldera where SO2 concentrations were up to 40 ppm in areas downwind of Halema`uma`u Crater along Crater Rim Drive (mostly between Halema`uma`u parking lot and the southwest rift zone pullout during trade winds) and up to 140 ppm near the Halema`uma`u overlook close to the new vent.

Definitions of terms used in the update:

ppm: parts-per-million; 10,000 ppm = 1%.

mauka, makai: Hawaiian terms for the direction toward the mountains and toward the ocean, respectively.

incandescence: the production of visible light from a hot surface. The color of the light is related to the temperature of the surface. Some surfaces can display dull red incandescence at temperatures as low as 430 degrees Centigrade (806 degrees Fahrenheit). By contrast, molten lava displays bright orange to orange-yellow light from surfaces that are hotter than 900 degrees C (1,650 degrees F).

TEB: The most recent phase of activity started with a breakout from the perched channel/pond system on November 21, 2007 or Thanksgiving eve. TEB stands for Thanksgiving Eve Breakout.

kipuka: a Hawaiian word which describes an area of vegetation that is completely surrounded by active or inactive lava flows.

NPS eruption crew: a hardy band of experienced individuals who interpret active lava flow viewing for visitors while keeping them at a safe distance. The National Park Service (NPS) eruption crews normally work within the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park but have been supporting the Hawai`i County lava viewing effort since it opened on Saturday, March 8, 2008.

rootless shields: Shield vents are normally built directly over a lava-supplying fissure, as is the case for the TEB shield. Rootless shield vents are not built directly over a lava-supplying fissure and are, instead, fed horizontally from a fissure via a lava tube. Rootless shields have been built over Kilauea lava tubes in the last few years.

perched ponds or channels: A lava pond or channel becomes perched above the surrounding terrain when repeated overflows build up their edges. The perching continues as long as the overflows continue. The channel developed by the July 21, 2007 eruption perched itself more than 100 feet above the pre-eruption ground surface.

gas emission rates: usually in metric tonnes (= 1,000 kilograms)/day if measured at HVO, a gas emission rate is the rate at which gas is released by a volcanic vent. Typical background SO2 emission rates for Kilauea are 150-200 tonnes/day from sources in Halema`uma`u crater and 1,500-3,000 tonnes/day from Pu`u `O`o vent. Once the gas is released into the air, the hazard it poses to living things is directly related to its concentration. Higher concentrations are found downwind of sources so changes in wind direction and speed can bring gases at hazardous concentrations into different areas.

LP earthquakes: Most volcanic earthquakes that occur in Hawai`i are short-period (SP) in nature, meaning that the shaking starts abruptly and contains relatively high frequency components; these quakes are usually associated with subsurface rock failure (breakage). Long-period (LP) earthquakes have lower frequency energy and emergent beginnings, meaning that their signals start with small amplitude and become stronger. LP earthquakes are usually associated with subsurface fluid movement.

DI tilt event: DI is an abbreviation for \’deflation-inflation\’ and describes a volcanic event of uncertain significance. DI events are recorded by tiltmeters at Kilauea summit as an abrupt deflation of up to a few microradians in magnitude lasting several hours to 2-3 days followed by an abrupt inflation of approximately equal magnitude. The tilt events are usually accompanied by an increase in summit tremor during the deflation phase. A careful analysis of these events suggests that they may be related to changes in magma supply to a storage reservoir at less than 1 km depth, just east of Halema`uma`u crater. Usually, though not always, these changes propagate through the magma conduit from the summit to the eruption site, as many of the DI events at Kilauea summit are also recorded at a tiltmeter at Pu`u `O`o, delayed by 1-2 hours. DI events often correlate with pulses and/or pauses in the eruption at the Pu`u `O`o/July 21/TEB vents.

Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/hvostatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.

A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/2006/warnschemes.html

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW#1302-01-)
19.43°N 155.29°W, Summit Elevation 4009 ft (1222 m)
Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

This report, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images , was prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):

Activity Summary for last 24 hours: Kilauea Volcano is active at two locations. At the summit, dim incandescence and emission of ash continued and no new explosions have occurred in Halema`uma`u Crater. Sulfur dioxide emission rates and seismic tremor levels continued elevated to several times background levels. At the coast, lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Waikupanaha and Ki ocean entries. The east margin of the flow field was active about 75 yards makai of the access road but static elsewhere.

Hazard Summary: Hazardous conditions exist in four areas on Kilauea volcano – potentially harmful sulfur dioxide concentrations, fine ash fall, and possible small explosions at the summit, potentially harmful sulfur dioxide concentrations and unstable conditions around the Pu`u `O`o/July 21/TEB vent area, lava flow threat to the Royal Gardens subdivision and the coastal plain to the southeast, and hazardous conditions associated with lava entering the ocean.

1. Summit: The current increase in sulfur dioxide emission rates at the summit means that SO2 concentrations in the air are likely to be at hazardous levels for areas downwind of emission sources in Halema`uma`u crater. The National Park Service has closed Crater Rim Drive through the south caldera area until further notice (http://www.nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm). Most people are sensitive to sulfur dioxide at these levels. Children and individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing problems especially should avoid downwind areas. During tradewind conditions (brisk winds from the northeast), concentrations will be highest and most hazardous in the south caldera: southwest rift zone, south caldera pullouts, and the Halema`uma`u overlook parking lot – The National Park Service has closed this section of Crater Rim Drive. During weak or southerly winds, concentrations may be high and hazardous throughout the summit area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and nearby communities. Stay informed about SO2 concentrations in continuously monitored areas at Jaggar Museum and Kilauea Visitor Center (http:// www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/havoso2alert/havoalert.cfm).

The gas plume also includes fine rock dust that is known to be falling out of the plume downwind of the source. During the past few days, a few people have reported a fine grit on their car windshields while driving under or in the ash plume along highway 11. Information on the effects of ash are available at http://www.ivhhn.org/ and http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/.

The possibility of future small explosions from Halema`uma`u Crater cannot yet be ruled out.