USGS: Map as of 9:00 a.m. HST, June 18, 2018. Given the dynamic nature of Kīlauea’s lower East Rift Zone eruption, with changing vent locations, fissures starting and stopping, and varying rates of lava effusion, map details shown here are accurate as of the date/time noted. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – Scientists answered questions about the ongoing slumping at the summit of Kialuea volcano, as well as the size of the growing lava delta at Kapoho, during a media conference call Monday.

This USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory update was posted at 3:45 p.m. HST:

Fissure 8 fountains, encircled by a spatter cone, continue to feed lava into the well-established channel that flows to the ocean at Kapoho. About midday, minor amounts of lava spilled over the channel levees but did not advance very far. The lava flow front is rather broad at the coast and lava is entering the ocean at a single point with an upwelling area offshore and with laze blown onshore. Fissures 16/18 continue to ooze lava and Fissure 6 shows some incandescence (visible in PGcam to the left of Fissure 8 most nights) and mild spattering. The flow field is relatively stable with little change to its size and shape for the past few days.

Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountain at Fissure 8 continue to fall downwind of the fissure, dusting the ground within a few hundred meters (yards) of the vent. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.

The USGS also had this update on the Kīlauea Volcano summit:

After this morning’s seismic event and gas emission, the number of earthquakes dropped abruptly and have been increasing through the day. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halemaʻumaʻu continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit.

Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano’s summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity.