Feb 21 2008
Kilauea Daily Update for 2/21/08
Current Kilauea status from HVO:
Kilauea Daily Update issued Feb 21, 2008 09:32 HST Volcanic-Alert Level WATCH - Aviation Color Code ORANGE
This report, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), prepared by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO):Activity Summary for last 24 hours: A narrow, slow-moving pahoehoe lava flow entered the upper reaches of Royal Gardens subdivision yesterday. Seismic tremor levels and sulfur dioxide emission rates were elevated to several times background levels at Kilauea summit.
Hazard Summary: Three hazardous conditions exist currently on Kilauea volcano - potentially harmful sulfur dioxide concentrations at the summit, dangerous conditions around the Pu`u `O`o/July 21/November 21 vent area, and lava flow threat to the Royal Gardens subdivision.
The current increase in sulfur dioxide emission rates at the summit means that SO2 concentrations are likely to be at hazardous levels for visitor areas downwind of Halema`uma`u, especially during weak wind conditions or winds from the south. Most people are sensitive to sulfur dioxide at these levels. Children and individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing problems should avoid areas in the south caldera: southwest rift zone, south caldera pullout, and the Halema`uma`u overlook parking lot. Stay informed about SO2 concentrations in continuously monitored areas (Jaggar Museum and Kilauea Visitor\’s Center). The National Park Service has closed all pullouts and parking areas in the south caldera (http://www.nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm).
Vent areas and lava channels are hazardous and conditions can change rapidly. 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. Sulfur dioxide emissions from Pu`u `O`o are very 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 residents of Royal Gardens subdivision. As long as lava flows are active south of fissure D, the subdivision is within likely downslope flow paths. 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. Hawai`i County Civil Defense has been notified and is taking appropriate measures (www.lavainfo.us).
Last 24 hours at 7/21 eruption site: An overflight yesterday afternoon observed a narrow, relatively slow-moving pahoehoe flow active in the upper reaches of Royal Gardens subdivision. The flow was 250 meters (yards) south of the northern boundary of the subdivision at 1:30pm yesterday, above Royal Avenue. Another small flow extended eastward from the rootless shields toward Kalalua. An overflight is planned for tomorrow morning.
Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: Once again, diffuse incandescence was observed through fume in the crater overnight. The Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter recorded no significant change. GPS receivers continued to record contraction across the cone.
Last 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The summit tiltmeter network recorded no significant changes. GPS receivers across the caldera have not recorded significant long-term change (no contraction or extension) since early February. Seismic tremor levels were at low-to-moderate values, which is several times background level. Two small earthquakes occurred on the south flank, and two small events were located north of Kilauea summit.
Sulfur dioxide concentrations peaked at 3000 ppb (3 ppm) yesterday afternoon and 2000 ppb (2 ppm) last night at Jaggar Museum.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates from the summit area have been elevated at 2-4 times background values since early January. The emission rate was about 570 tonnes/day last Thursday, compared to a background rate of between 150-200 tonnes/day. SO2 concentrations exceed 1 ppm in areas downwind of Halema`uma`u crater (almost half of Crater Rim Drive between Halema`uma`u parking lot and the southwest rift zone). SO2 concentrations exceed 10 ppm for a short portion of the road between the Halema`uma`u parking lot and the south caldera pullout.
