Volcano Update – May 11
The latest update May 11, 2018.
The volcano eruption at Kilauea continues today. Lava flows from the Leilani Estates area have stopped for nearly 48 hours. Various reports say that steam and earthquakes continue. The big concern is the possible explosion of super heated steam and rocks from the main crater of Halemaumau at the Kilauea summit. As a result of this concern, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the Kilauea crater area is now closed until further notice.
This notice from the USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory as of 6:49 AM this morning:
“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
Additional Information
One fear alleviated, another looms at geothermal plant
Hawaii Tribune Herald, May 11, 2018.
NaLeo TV Channel 55
Streaming up to date news and announcements from the Big Island of Hawaii
Massive Tsunami Caused by Kīlauea: Truth or Fiction?
Big Island Now, video link with Malika Dudley
More items may be posted here.
