The US Geological Survey says it has detected increased seismic activity on the Big Island of Hawaii linked to the Kilauea volcano’s upheaval.
The mountain is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and has been producing continuous lava cycles since September 29, 2021.
Volcanologists insist that despite hundreds of small earthquakes, the volcano is not actively erupting.
However, changes in terrain resemble periods with increased activity.
“Inflationary bias continues at a slower rate in areas south of the summit caldera,” UGS stated. “Inflation at the summit of Kīlauea remains near its highest level in more than 5 years and is almost back to levels seen just before the last eruption on September 10. Seismicity under the Kīlauea summit region, which began October 4, increased with approximately 320 earthquakes occurring in the past 24 hours.”
Due to high seismic activity and inflation at the summit of Kīlauea volcano, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is closing certain trails, viewing areas and parking until further notice. Visit the park’s website for more information. https://t.co/kgHqKBoKpz pic.twitter.com/hCzqRndleS
— Hawaii Volcanoes NPS (@Volcanoes_NPS) October 7, 2023
Due to potential hazards associated with seismic activity, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed several parking areas and trails in the general vicinity of the summit.
“The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is monitoring Kīlauea in collaboration with our colleagues at the USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory,” the National Park Service said. “The park is open at this time, but visitors should be prepared and stay informed.”
Outside the national park, there have been no other reported impacts from the increased activity associated with the volcano.
A rising lava lake is seen in Halema’uma’u crater during the eruption of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii National Park, Hawaii, on Sept. 30, 2021. via REUTERS
“Sulfur dioxide gas emissions have been greatly reduced; However, local concentrations of sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide may persist in downwind areas, and residents may occasionally notice the smell of these gases,” the USGS said.
The volcano is located more than 100 miles from Honolulu, which has a population of about 350,000. The 2018 eruption destroyed more than 700 homes and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
The last time a significant lava episode was witnessed coming from the volcano was in September.
Video captures spectacular lava fountains emerging from the crater, but the effect is limited to the national park.
Other nearby volcanoes, such as Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Mauna Loa, are all at normal status.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
