Increased seismic activity on the Big Island

[Midoria]

From Big Island News. They have asked that people donate to the Salvation Army.

The public is encouraged to support the emergency disaster services efforts via monetary donations at hawaii.salvationarmy.org or by calling The Salvation Army – Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Divisional Headquarters at (808) 988-2136.

One-hundred percent of the donated funds will support The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services in Hawai‘i.


http://bigislandnow.com/2018/05/08/how-you-can-help-leilani-estates-residents/

 

[NancyDVC]

Midoria,

Thanks for the information! (I shared this information on another site! There can’t be too much sharing so folks can help if they want.)

 

[buffettgirl]

Two new eruptions today and more houses lost. Still, thankfully, no one injured.

 

[NancyDVC]

Here is the latest status report from the USGS VNO as of Tuesday, May 8 11:18 PM:




HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 11:18 PM HST (Wednesday, May 9, 2018, 09:18 UTC)


KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Lower East Rift Zone Eruption
The intermittent eruption of lava in Leilani Estates in the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano continues. Activity today was focused on the northeast portion of the fissure area; two new fissure segments (13 and 14) broke ground between fissures 7 and 6. Fissure 13 cut across Leilani Street. By 5:00 pm, fissures 13 and 14 were inactive; late this evening geologists reported loud jetting and booming sounds, and some spattering, at fissure 13. At about 6:00 p.m. reports of booming sounds were reported in the vicinity of Black Sands Beach Subdivision. When HVO geologists arrived soon after, no such sounds were occurring.

Earlier this morning, geologists reported the widening of cracks of about 1 to 4 cm (0.4 to 1.6 in) of cracks on Highway 130 and Ali‘ili road.

Rates of seismicity changed little throughout the day, but increased during the fissure activity in the afternoon. Gas emissions remain elevated in the vicinity of fissures.

HVO field crews successfully completed the installation of two new co-located seismometers and GPS receivers on the north and south sides of the East Rift Zone. Mahalo to landowners for allowing access and use of their property. HVO geologists will be in the area overnight to track and report to Hawaii County Civil Defense on the activity, and other scientists are tracking the volcano's overall activity 24/7 using various monitoring data streams.

Residents should remain informed and heed Hawaii County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages (http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts).

For maps showing the locations of eruption features, please see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

For information on volcanic air pollution, please see: http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/

Kīlauea Volcano Summit
Tiltmeters at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano continue to record the deflationary trend of the past week and the lava lake level continues to drop. Rockfalls from the steep crater walls into the retreating lake continue to produce occasional ashy plumes above Halema‘uma‘u crater. These plumes are expected to continue.

Earthquake activity in the summit remains elevated. Many of these earthquakes are related to the ongoing subsidence of the summit area and earthquakes beneath the south flank of the volcano.

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.

 

[NancyDVC]

Here is some newly updated information from the USGS about potential new hazards:

HVO Kilauea ORANGE/WARNING - Increased potential for explosive activity at Kilauea summit: May 9, 2018 18:02 - The steady lowering of the lava lake in “Overlook crater” within Halemaʻumaʻu at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano has raised the potential for explosive eruptions in the coming weeks. If the lava column drops to the level of groundwater beneath Kīlauea Caldera, influx of water into the conduit could cause steam-driven explosions. Debris expelled during such explosions could impact the area surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu and the Kīlauea summit. At this time, we cannot say with certainty that explosive activity will occur, how large the explosions could be, or how long ... #volcanoes

 

[NancyDVC]

And the USGS explanatory diagram:

 

[jodybird511]

FYI, all...

https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/20180509_pr_advisory.htm

 

[NancyDVC]

Jodybird511, Thanks for the link. Safety first.

 

[NancyDVC]

Here is the update from the USGS HVO at 4:55 PM HST May 9. Scroll down to “Kiluaea Aummit Activity” to see one of the reasons why they are closing VNP.




HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT
U.S. Geological Survey
Wednesday, May 9, 2018, 4:55 PM HST (Thursday, May 10, 2018, 02:55 UTC)


KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Lower East Rift Zone Eruption
The intermittent eruption of lava in Leilani Estates in the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano continues. Visible activity this early afternoon was again focused on the northeast portion of the fissure area. Fissure 15 broke ground across Poihiki Road, generating a pahoehoe flow about 20 m (66 ft) long. During an overflight of the area about 3 p.m. HST, geologists observed a new steaming area uprift (west) of Highway 130. During a second overflight at 4:30 p.m., the area was still steaming.

Rates of motion increased late this morning on a GPS station 1.5 km (1 mile) southeast of Nanawale Estates. The direction of motion is consistent with renewed movement of magma in the downrift direction (to the northeast).

Rates of seismicity changed little throughout the day; located earthquakes were mostly uprift (west) of Highway 130. Gas emissions remain elevated in the vicinity of fissures.

Residents should remain informed and heed Hawaii County Civil Defense closures, warnings, and messages (http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts).

For maps showing the locations of eruption features, please see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

For information on volcanic air pollution, please see: http://www.ivhhn.org/vog/

Kīlauea Volcano Summit
Tiltmeters at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano continue to record the deflationary trend of the past week and the lava lake level continues to drop. At about 8:32 a.m. HST, a large rockfall from the steep crater walls into the retreating lake triggered an explosion that generated an ash column above the crater; the ash was blown toward the south-southwest. Rockfalls and explosions that produce ash columns are expected to continue.

A 3D model of the Overlook crater was created from thermal images collected during an early afternoon helicopter overflight on May 8. Based on the 3D model, the lake level was about 295 m (970 feet) below the floor of Halema‘uma‘u Crater.

Earthquake activity in the summit remains elevated. Many of these earthquakes are related to the ongoing subsidence of the summit area and earthquakes beneath the south flank of the volcano.

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.

 

[Midoria]

FYI, all...

https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/20180509_pr_advisory.htm

From the website, it's "due to the possibility of a steam-induced explosion at the summit of Kīlauea due to the receding lava lake, an ensuing ash fall event, plus southerly wind patterns forecasted for Friday".

Yipes!

 

[NancyDVC]

There was a public meeting with the USGS on Wednesday evening, May 9. The video can be found on Youtube. The title is “Summit Explosions, Volcanic Ash Expected (May 9, 2018) There is a lot of good information and explanaton of what is going on and what may be coming including volcanic ash, steam and small to large spewing of rock. (Excellent video.)
They also recommend that you go to their webste at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/ for iformaiton on how to deal with the ash. The page has searchable information on how to deal with the ash for people, animals, homes, businesses etc.
To everyone on teh Big Island stay safe our prayers are with you.

 

[jodybird511]

We'll be taking action to move our entire trip to Oahu today. Sigh. We're likely to be out hundreds or thousands of dollars, but with a child with asthma, we just really cannot chance traveling to the Big Island.

 

[NancyDVC]

Jodybird,
Sorry that you have to move your trip but you have to think about your child. I hope your trip is great.

 

[pjacobi]

Volcano NP and Volcano House are closed indefinitely. They will re-open when it is safe, but only Pele knows when.


-Paul

 

[Midoria]

We'll be taking action to move our entire trip to Oahu today. Sigh. We're likely to be out hundreds or thousands of dollars, but with a child with asthma, we just really cannot chance traveling to the Big Island.

Does your trip insurance cover natural disasters? It may be a stretch but I think a volcano erupting near where you’re supposed to vacation in may count. Especially since areas are actually being evacuated.

 

[Midoria]

Double post.

 

[jodybird511]

Does your trip insurance cover natural disasters? It may be a stretch but I think a volcano erupting near where you’re supposed to vacation in may count. Especially since areas are actually being evacuated.

Nope, unfortunately. I contacted them first thing this morning, and they stated that "vog is not covered," even if my son's pedi were to restrict him from traveling to the area. If, however, the airport were to close in coming days, resulting from, say, a steam explosion from the summit, then we MIGHT be able to get some reimbursement. Unfortunately, we will just have to sit tight and wait to see. I contacted American Airlines this morning, and they were going to charge me $3100 to make changes (basically flying into Oahu, as opposed to Kona). I only paid $3100 for my round tip tix. Soooo....as of right now, we are monitoring closely. If the air quality becomes too poor in Kona, we will change our Hawaiian Airlines interisland flight, and just leave immediately for Oahu from Kona. Sigh....I may or may not have cried to the American agent.

 

[Midoria]

Nope, unfortunately. I contacted them first thing this morning, and they stated that "vog is not covered," even if my son's pedi were to restrict him from traveling to the area. If, however, the airport were to close in coming days, resulting from, say, a steam explosion from the summit, then we MIGHT be able to get some reimbursement. Unfortunately, we will just have to sit tight and wait to see. I contacted American Airlines this morning, and they were going to charge me $3100 to make changes (basically flying into Oahu, as opposed to Kona). I only paid $3100 for my round tip tix. Soooo....as of right now, we are monitoring closely. If the air quality becomes too poor in Kona, we will change our Hawaiian Airlines interisland flight, and just leave immediately for Oahu from Kona. Sigh....I may or may not have cried to the American agent.

Hilo is 30 miles away from the volcano park, so if there was a steam explosion I don’t see that affecting he low and less there’s an incredible amount of ash making it impossible to see.

 

[NancyDVC]

Here is the USGS HVO update for Friday, May 11 6:59 AM. There is a link that includes current information about ashhazards, gas hazards and the Lower East Rift Zone eruption. (Scroll down to the bold type sentence.)

Jodybird511 Maybe some of this information will be of help.


HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
U.S. Geological Survey
Friday, May 11, 2018, 6:49 AM HST (Friday, May 11, 2018, 16:49 UTC)


KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Summary: A pause in active eruption of spatter and lava along Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone continued through the night. However, earthquake activity and ground deformation continue and additional outbreaks in the general area of Leilani Estates are likely. Overnight, earthquake activity was concentrated on the downrift (east) side of the existing Leilani fissures. High levels of sulfur dioxide continue to be released from the fissure system.

Deflationary tilt at the summit of the volcano continues and seismicity remains elevated. This morning, a steady plume of steam is rising from the Overlook vent. It is expected that occasional rockfalls into the deep vent will produce intermittent, low-level ash emissions. Depending on wind conditions, dustings of ash may occur in the Kilauea summit area and downwind. More energetic ash emissions are possible.

Current webcam views are here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

USGS/HVO continues to monitor the situation at the summit and the lower East Rift Zone 24/7 in coordination with Hawaii County Civil Defense and other authorities. Field crews are onsite in the Leilani Estates area this morning examining the fissure vents and searching for any signs of new or resumed activity.

Please see this link for newly organized information about ash hazards, gas hazards, and the Lower East Rift Zone eruption. https://vog.ivhhn.org/

Hawaii County Civil Defense messages regarding conditions, warning, and evacuations may be found at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/.

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai'i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

CONTACT INFORMATION:

askHVO@usgs.gov

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of five volcano observatories within the U.S. Geological Survey and is responsible for monitoring volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai`i.

 

[cgattis]

We'll be taking action to move our entire trip to Oahu today. Sigh. We're likely to be out hundreds or thousands of dollars, but with a child with asthma, we just really cannot chance traveling to the Big Island.

If you wanted to see the Big Island (I know I really did), I know that's disappointing. And those change fees sound positively extortionary considering the circumstances. But I can honestly say if I had to pick only one island, Oahu really might be the best of all worlds. There are awesome beaches, waterfalls, scenic drives, snorkeling and surfing, remote areas, and a hopping city. I think you can still have a really great trip....but still have a great reason to go back. Because, trust me, you will want to.