An HVO geologist collects a sample of lava for chemical analysis, quenching it in a bucket of water. (USGS)

The Lava Update is a daily status report on Hawaii Island’s volcanic activity. The primary source of this information is the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. We include other items of volcanic interest, as well.

KILAUEA

Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH

ACTIVITY

• Summit: Inflationary tilt characteristic of a Deflation/Inflation event was observed at Kīlauea’s summit over the past day, reports USGS. This was accompanied by a modest increase in the lava lake level, along with intermittent spattering periods. Seismicity continues at background levels.
• Puʻu ʻŌʻō: “A tiny lava flow emerged from a vent on the east crater floor yesterday at 15:30 and again at 18:20,” USGS reported. “This flow, confined to Puʻu ʻŌʻō crater, was brief in duration and coverage.”
• June 27th lava flow: Webcam and satellite views show continued activity on the flow field, according to USGS. “Active breakouts were scattered across a broad area extending from about 4 to 8 km (2.5–5 mi) northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. The most distant breakouts are evident by the smoke plumes produced where they are creeping into the forest and burning vegetation along the edge of the flow field.”

LATEST ACTIVITY MAP

This July 23 USGS map shows recent changes to Kīlauea’s active East Rift Zone lava flow field. The area of the flow on July 7 is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as of July 23 is shown in red. The yellow line is the active lava tube system. Puʻu ʻŌʻō lava flows erupted prior to June 27, 2014, are shown in gray.

MAUNA LOA

Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH