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Volcano Watch

By Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. 

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Filter Total Items: 1680
Volcano Watch — Eruption rate for July-August lava flows was high but may have diminished toward the previous long-term rate

Volcano Watch — Eruption rate for July-August lava flows was high but may have diminished toward the previous long-term rate

The ongoing eruption of Kīlauea has spewed forth nearly 58 million cubic meters (76 million cubic yards) of lava in the days between July 21 and...

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Volcano Watch — New geologist is a timely addition to HVO staff

Volcano Watch — New geologist is a timely addition to HVO staff

Alert readers of this column will know that the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has seen the addition of several new employees this year.

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Volcano Watch — Perched lava channel elevates the flows

Volcano Watch — Perched lava channel elevates the flows

Despite the potential hazards, the ongoing eruption from Kīlauea's east rift zone is a remarkable and fascinating sight.

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Volcano Watch — Changes in lava flows intensify questions to scientists

Volcano Watch — Changes in lava flows intensify questions to scientists

As soon as lava began flowing on the north side of Kīlauea's east rift zone from a new vent on July 21, questions arose among residents of the Puna...

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Volcano Watch — OK, you felt it, but did it move you?

Volcano Watch — OK, you felt it, but did it move you?

Every week Hawai`i residents feel earthquakes. Some weeks the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory receives only a few reports, but...

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Volcano Watch — Glaciers on Mauna Kea? You crazy? In the middle of the Pacific? YES!

Volcano Watch — Glaciers on Mauna Kea? You crazy? In the middle of the Pacific? YES!

Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano in the post-shield stage, last erupted about 4,500 years ago. Its oldest exposed lavas are about 250,000 years old.

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Volcano Watch — At Kīlauea, it's always "Time to make the doughnuts"

Volcano Watch — At Kīlauea, it's always "Time to make the doughnuts"

Some years ago, a series of commercials for a popular doughnut shop was aired on television. In the scene, Fred the baker would leave his house early...

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Volcano Watch — How much lava is being erupted at the July 21 fissure?

Volcano Watch — How much lava is being erupted at the July 21 fissure?

This has been a popular question posed by scientist and citizen alike but is currently a difficult one to answer accurately. It is also one of the...

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Volcano Watch — Progress in the year following the Kiholo Bay earthquake

Volcano Watch — Progress in the year following the Kiholo Bay earthquake

This coming October 15 will mark one year since last October's damaging earthquakes that rocked Hawai`i County. To briefly recall them, at 7:07 AM on...

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Volcano Watch — Earthquakes can give you that sinking feeling

Volcano Watch — Earthquakes can give you that sinking feeling

Most of us who were in the islands on October 15, 2006, are familiar with ground motion associated with earthquakes. On that day, two quakes, both...

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Volcano Watch — Kīlauea's eruption building perched lava channel and feeding many short flows

Volcano Watch — Kīlauea's eruption building perched lava channel and feeding many short flows

Lava flows from the ongoing eruption of Kīlauea Volcano have traveled only short distances during the past week from the impressive open lava channel...

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Volcano Watch — Almost nothing is enough: reticulite helps measure depth of Kīlauea's caldera 500 years ago

Volcano Watch — Almost nothing is enough: reticulite helps measure depth of Kīlauea's caldera 500 years ago

Pumice is glassy volcanic ejecta so full of bubbles that it floats in water. Reticulite is an extreme form of pumice in which all bubbles have burst...

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