#seismicity
Volcano Watch: What happens beneath the surface doesn’t always stay there
Captivating lava fountains burst from either one or both of the vents during each eruptive episode. However, as fascinating as those episodes are, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are equally as interested in what’s happening beneath the surface between episodes.
Activity up slightly with increase in quakes at Kīlauea
Seismicity remains above background levels. Ground deformation also continues beneath Halemaʻumaʻu and the south caldera region. Magma has been pressurizing the system beneath Halemaʻumaʻu and Kīlauea’s south caldera region for several weeks.
Heightened unrest at summit region of Kīlauea Volcano
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued an information statement on Thursday night saying the summit region of Kīlauea is currently experiencing heightened unrest, but no eruptive activity.
350 minor earthquakes have rumbled near Kīlauea summit; but no imminent eruption expected
Earthquake swarms like this can precede eruptions, but there is no lateral or upward migration of earthquakes that would suggest magma is moving toward the surface at this time.
Volcano Watch — That Didn’t Feel Like a Magnitude-4? What do Earthquake Measurements Mean?
This is why the MMI scale is the best way to communicate the relative effects among earthquakes. Values are derived from direct observations of the public and will give the best sense of shaking experienced in different regions.
Why do so many deep earthquakes happen around Pāhala?
Currently, one of the most active areas of seismicity is Kīlauea’s lower Southwest Rift Zone. This area produces numerous deep earthquakes, mostly at depths of 25-40 km (15-25 miles), beneath the town of Pāhala
Explosive Eruptions Continue at Kīlauea, 5.4 Quake Overnight
Since the onset of the recent eruptive activity in May, there have been dozens of seismic events that have prompted statements from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Approaches Fourth Week of Closure
On Sunday, June 3, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake rattled the summit area at 3:50 p.m., cracking the overlook deck at Jaggar Museum. Over the weekend, the US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported more than 500 earthquakes in a 24-hour period – the most ever measured by HVO scientists.
Methane Rises From Volcano Cracks Creating Blue Flames
Authorities say methane gas can seep into subsurface voids and explode when heated, or as shown in this video, emerge from cracks in the ground several feet away from the lava.
