USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-HVO-2024-05-23T18:54:31+00:00

Activity Summary:  Kilauea volcano is not erupting. Unrest beneath the summit, south caldera, and upper East Rift Zone has waned over recent days. Rates of seismicity and ground deformation have decreased but could increase again at any time.

Summit Observations and Upper East Rift Zone Observations:  Over the past day, rates of seismicity in the summit, south caldera, and upper East Rift Zone regions have been at background levels. Earthquake depths have averaged 1–3 km (0.6–1.9 miles) beneath the surface, and magnitudes have been below M2.0. Ground deformation continues beneath Halemaʻumaʻu and the south caldera region. The Uēkahuna tiltmeter northwest of the summit recorded minor inflation over the past day. The Sand Hill tiltmeter southwest of the summit also recorded minor inflation. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission rates remain low. An SO2 emission rate of approximately 61 tonnes per day was recorded on May 21.

Rift Zone Observations:  Rates of seismicity beneath the upper and middle East Rift Zone regions have decreased over the past several days and are currently at background levels. Seismicity in in the southwest Rift Zone is low. Measurements from continuous gas monitoring stations downwind of Puʻuʻōʻō in the middle East Rift Zone remain below detection limits for SO2, indicating that SO2 emissions from Puʻuʻōʻō are negligible.

Analysis:   Magma has been pressurizing the system beneath Halemaʻumaʻu and the south caldera region, activating seismicity in the upper East Rift Zone, and in the caldera south of Halemaʻumaʻu. At this time, it is not possible to say whether this increase in activity will lead to an intrusion or eruption in the near future, or simply continue as seismic unrest at depth. Changes in the character and location of unrest can occur quickly, as can the potential for eruption. Rates of seismicity and ground deformation have decreased over the past several days but could increase again at any time.

Information Statement Issued May 2, 2024: An information statement summarizing the events since April 27, including interpretation and possible outcomes, can be found here:  Kīlauea Information Statement: summit region heightened unrest continues; no eruptive activity. | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)

Updates: The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) will provide daily updates while Kīlauea volcano is in a heightened state of unrest.

HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea for signs of increasing activity. Should volcanic activity change significantly, a Volcanic Activity Notice will be issued.

Hazards are still present on Kīlauea and are described below. Residents and visitors should stay informed and follow County of Hawai‘i and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park guidelines.