Volcano Watch: Volcano monitoring from space: InSAR time series success in Alaska
In a recent “Volcano Watch” article, we learned about a remote sensing technique known as InSAR. This method of using satellite radar signals to detect changes to the surface of the Earth has been very beneficial for the monitoring of active volcanoes, especially in remote locations where it is difficult to install ground-based geophysical sensors. One such place where InSAR recently proved instrumental in detecting deformation of a volcano previously considered inactive was in Southeast Alaska.
Volcano Watch: Ups and downs at Kilauea summit: Quiescence, eruptions, and constant change
May 3 marked the fifth anniversary of the start of Kilauea’s historic 2018 eruption that resulted in extensive lava flows from the East Rift Zone and major collapses of the summit caldera floor. Since that 2018 activity, Kilauea has experienced nearly constant change with distinct episodes of calm, unrest, eruptions, and everything in between.
Volcano Watch: Five years flow by: Reflections on the destructive 2018 eruption of Kilauea
Five years ago, volcanic activity at Kilauea dramatically changed when magma intruded into the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ). What happened at Kilauea in 2018? What have been the resulting learning opportunities?
Today’s family of 5 USGS volcano observatories began with HVO over 111 years ago
HVO staff has grown from one geologist, Thomas A. Jaggar, in 1912 to more than 30 people today. This team includes scientists and specialists in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, field engineering and telemetry, information technology, administration, public communications and more. Hundreds of volunteers, students, and visiting scientists—many from the University of Hawai’i—have also provided valuable assistance to HVO through the years.
Volcano Watch: Using water cannon experiments to improve understanding of volcanic blasts
The 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption in Washington State illustrated the hazards and impacts of lateral (ground-hugging) volcanic blasts on natural landscapes and human infrastructure. The eruption devastated hundreds of square miles and killed 57 people. In the more than forty years since, several additional laterally directed explosive eruptions have occurred world-wide.
Volcano Watch: Pele’s hairs: a beautiful hazard on Hawaii Island
Shiny and elusive, featherlight and golden-brown. If poets were to write about rocks, I’m sure they would sing their praises of Pele’s hairs. Don’t be fooled, though, because Pele’s hairs are strands of volcanic glass, and they can pose a serious hazard.
Eruption at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano stops after 61 days
HONOLULU (AP) — The latest eruption at Kilauea’s summit on Hawaii’s has paused after 61 days of volcanic activity.
Volcano Watch: The missing slow slip events on Kilauea’s south flank
Over the past two decades, both scientists and members of the public have anticipated the occurrence of slow slip events (SSEs) on Kilauea’s south flank. These events are recorded by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s (HVO) continuous GPS network, which show as much as 2 cm (0.75 inches) of increased seaward motion of the flank over 2-3 days—equivalent to about a M6 earthquake.
Volcano Watch: Comparing crises — Mauna Loa 1984 vs. Mauna Loa 2022
Despite the development of new volcano monitoring techniques, decades between the eruptions meant there were many uncertainties leading to the recent eruption. Did the unrest observed during the fall of 2022 mean an eruption would certainly occur? How soon would modern monitoring signals show signs of an imminent eruption?
Volcano Watch: Newberry Volcano is an impressive but unappreciated giant
Lava flows erupted at Newberry cover an area larger than Rhode Island. Powerful explosive eruptions sent volcanic ash into Idaho and the San Francisco Bay Area. A deep caldera indents its summit, hosting a flow of obsidian and thick beds of explosive pumice.
Kilauea eruption not dangerous but offers spectacular sight
HONOLULU — Lava from Kilauea spurted high into the air and spread out across about 300 acres of the volcano’s summit crater floor, creating a spectacular sight as the mountain began erupting again after a few weeks’ hiatus.
Kilauea volcano eruption resumes
Kilauea volcano is erupting again.
HVO: Mauna Loa, Kilauea take a break at nearly the same time
Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes almost simultaneously have stopped erupting.
Scientists declare 2 Hawaii volcanoes have stopped erupting
HONOLULU — U.S. scientists declared Tuesday that two active Hawaii volcanoes — one where lava destroyed hundreds of homes in 2018 and another where lava recently stalled before reaching a crucial Big Island highway — have stopped erupting.
Scientists say eruption of Mauna Loa volcano continues to ease
HONOLULU — The eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano continues to ease, scientists said Sunday, reinforcing an earlier pronouncement that the mountain’s first flare-up in nearly 40 years might soon end.
Officials not letting guard down despite reduced lava output, stalled flow front
Although the Daniel K. Inouye Highway is not in imminent danger of being cut off by lava, Hawaii County officials aren’t letting their guard down.
County hopeful but cautious as eruption slows
Although the Daniel K. Inouye Highway is not in imminent danger of being cut off by lava, Hawaii County officials aren’t letting their guard down.
Scientists lower alert for Mauna Loa, say eruption could end
HONOLULU — Scientists lowered the alert level for the Mauna Loa volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island from a warning to a watch on Saturday and said the mountain’s first eruption in nearly 40 years may soon end.
HVO: Lava crossing Daniel K. Inouye Highway ‘no longer an immediate concern’
Although the Mauna Loa eruption continues, Daniel K. Inouye Highway was granted a reprieve Thursday when the primary lava flow stopped advancing.
Mauna Loa lava flow slows, inches toward highway
Lava inched slightly closer to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Wednesday after the main Mauna Loa flow slowed to less than 20 feet per hour.
