Volcano Minute — Patterns of eruptions and intrusions at Kīlauea

Aloha, it's your weekly Volcano Minute, brought to you by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 

If you've been wondering what Kīlauea's recent caldera intrusion means, you're not alone. 

The intrusion, which occurred from September 30 to October 1 during the ongoing summit lava fountaining eruption, is part of a pattern that's become familiar since Kīlauea's dramatic 2018 eruption and summit collapse. 

Over the past eight years, the volcano has experienced numerous underground magma intrusions and eruptions at both the summit and along the East and Southwest Rift Zones. In some cases, eruptions followed days or weeks after an intrusion. In others, magma stayed underground, causing earthquakes, ground deformation, and cracking without erupting.

Most recently, the September intrusion was followed by the 55th episode of lava fountaining on October 17. Lava fountained for about 6 hours from the north vent and lava flows covered most of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. Steady inflation after episode 55 suggests that another fountaining episode could occur between October 27 and November 6.

What’s the takeaway from the recent activity? Kīlauea remains one of the world's most dynamic volcanoes. While intrusions can signal changes in the magma system, they don't always lead directly to eruptions.

Scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continue to closely monitor earthquakes, ground deformation, gas emissions, and other indicators as Kīlauea's activity evolves.

Mahalo for listening, I’m Lil DeSmither and this was your weekly volcano minute brought to you by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.