Feb 23 2008
Kilauea Daily Update for 2/23/08
Curent Kialuea status form HVO:
Activity Summary for last 24 hours: The lava flow that entered Royal Gardens stalled but remained active 540 m (1770 ft) north of the subdivision. A second lava flow advanced eastward from the rootless shield complex along the western and southern edges of the Kalalua Cone kipuka. 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 Crater Rim Drive through 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: Yesterday’s overflight found the flow that had entered Royal Gardens earlier in the week had stalled but was still somewhat active 540 m (1770 ft) north of the subdivision. Narrow pahoehoe fingers had expanded the boundary of this southeast TEB flow about 650 m (2130 ft) eastward.
A second TEB lava flow advanced eastward enveloping the western edge of the Kalalua Cone kipuka and continuing around its southern edge. The flow advanced mostly over older Kupaianaha lava flows and re-occupied a short section of old lava tube before coming back to the surface.
Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: No incandescence was observed overnight for the first time in several days. The Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter recorded no significant changes. 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 fluctuated since the abrupt drop Thursday; the levels are still elevated but at low values. One small earthquake occurred on south flank faults.
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 (the last time we had sufficiently strong trade winds to make an emission rate measurement), 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.
