The June 27 lava flow remains weak while inflation, a sign of intruding magma, continues at Kilauea.
Matt Patrick, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist, said inflation at the volcano began about a week ago. So far, that has not corresponded with a significant increase in lava flow activity.
But, if that changes, Patrick said the flow could begin to advance more aggressively at its front since the tube system appears stable.
“The fact we had a breakout sustained at the front even with a drop in activity, implies there is a continuous supply route that the lava tube is providing,” he said.
“In some cases, fronts die out when there is large deflation … perhaps larger than what we had. When inflation resumes, it sometimes creates new flows. We didn’t see that in this case.”
Little activity was seen Tuesday morning during a Hawaii County Civil Defense overflight, and the flow front remains about 2 miles from Pahoa Village Road.
A breakout slightly upslope from the flow’s leading edge had advanced 20 yards since Monday. Activity along the edges of the front continued but showed no sign of advancement.
Breakouts also were present where the flow enters and exits a ground crack system.
The current inflation period followed a deflation event that corresponded with a sharp decrease in flow activity.
Patrick said the volume of lava flowing through the tube system is roughly 260,000 cubic yards per day. That’s a decrease of about a half or two-thirds from two weeks ago.
That rate could increase again as inflation continues.
The next community meeting about the flow is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Pahoa High School cafeteria.
For additional information, visit hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.