Hawaiian Volcano Update: Kīlauea Build-up Continues

Kīlauea's summit inflation “is higher than conditions preceding the January 5, 2023 summit eruption” according to recent updates from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Variable earthquake rates preceded that eruption, which ramped up with a small seismic swarm only an hour before lava erupted. This week on Kīlauea, earthquake rates are elevated above last, but lower than the two weeks prior, similar to the last pre-eruption pattern. Only time will tell when this build-up will lead to a new intrusion, eruption, or resumption of the previous activity, but all the signals remain at the summit. There is no sign of anything unusual in either of the volcano's rift zones, and thus no increased threat to people. Gas emissions continue, measured at approximately 135 tonnes of sulfur dioxide per day this past week, and remain the primary threat to nearby residents. Maunaloa remains quiet as magma continues the normal process of refilling its summit reservoir, with no further changes to report. As usual, our live presentation reviews the recent changes using monitoring data and reports courtesy of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. We annotate the presentation on-screen, and discuss live viewer questions. LIVE update: https://youtube.com/live/14QG80jnhug