America’s Volcanoes

Current Kilauea status from HVO:

Kilauea Daily Update issued Feb 26, 2008 09:17 HST Volcano 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: Two lava flows were advancing seaward through Royal Gardens subdivision. A second lava flow remained active between the rootless shields and Kalalua Cone. 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. 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. 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).

Last 24 hours at 7/21 eruption site: Yesterday\’s Chopper 1 overflight plus subsequent reports located two lava flows advancing through Royal Gardens - one along Royal Avenue and the other in the vicinity of Prince Avenue (west of Royal). As of this morning, the Royal finger may be approaching Plumeria St. at about the 900\’ elevation.

The lava flow between the rootless shield complex and Kalalua Cone was sporadically active early this morning although views are largely blocked by fume.

Last 24 hours at Pu`u `O`o: No incandescence was observed overnight but a few glimpses of the sunken crater floor could be seen during the day. The Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter recorded no significant changes in the past week. GPS receivers recorded an average contraction of 2 mm/month 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 dropped about 25% at 5:20 this morning; the drop was preceded by a handful of LP earthquakes. Four small, deep earthquakes were located beneath the southwest rift zone, another four small quakes were located beneath Kilauea caldera and the area immediately north, and two were located on south flank faults.

Sulfur dioxide concentrations peaked at 3,500 ppb yesterday morning at Jaggar museum and has already reached 500 ppb at Jaggar Museum and KVC this morning.

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 850 tonnes/day on Feb. 21 (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. The resulting SO2 concentrations exceed 1,000 ppb (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 during trade winds). SO2 concentrations exceed 10 ppm for a short portion of the road between the Halema`uma`u parking lot and the south caldera pullout.

Carbon dioxide concentrations yesterday lingered around between 2% and 3% in our instrument vault in the floor of Kilauea caldera. Normal non-volcanic background concentrations are 0.036%. Carbon dioxide emission rates at Kilauea summit have been elevated since 2005.