Volcano Minute — Volcano monitoring work in American Samoa: aloha to talofa

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

Today we’re heading to the remote volcanic islands of American Samoa, where scientists from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recently visited to repair and service critical volcano‑monitoring stations.

Their work follows the 2022 seismic unrest at Taʻū volcano, when thousands of earthquakes shook the Manuʻa Islands for weeks. That event reminded everyone that even “low‑threat” volcanoes can show signs of unrest—and that monitoring matters. When those earthquakes began, American Samoa had no volcano monitoring network. USGS scientists quickly installed seismic and GPS stations, giving scientists and emergency managers real‑time insight into the unrest.

Crews this year addressed thick vegetation and sea spray to keep stations running—an ongoing challenge in the rugged environment of these islands. 

This year’s visit wasn’t just about volcano monitoring stations though—USGS partnered with the National Weather Service and American Samoa Department of Homeland Security for school outreach across the Manuʻa Islands, teaching students about volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunami preparedness. 

From the seismic unrest in 2022 until now, collaborations in American Samoa remain strong. While the USGS monitors the islands remotely most of the year, these annual visits keep the network healthy—and the community informed.

And now, for a quick update on Kīlauea: lava flows have intermittently erupted from the north vent since September 22, with glow and spatter sometimes visible in the south and west vents. Current conditions remain favorable for another fountaining episode or a change in activity if summit inflation returns.

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