Transitions: What's next for HVO and the volcanoes it monitors?

2018 and 2019 were years of profound change at Kīlauea Volcano and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Devastation caused by the largest lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse in at least 200 years resulted in many transitions for island residents, including HVO. Tina Neal, Scientist-in-Charge of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, describes the current status of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa and what might be coming next. She also recaps HVO’s situation since having to vacate its building at Kīlauea’s summit in 2018, and shares info on the exciting next steps for the volcano observatory in 2020 and beyond. (Presentation repeated at UH-Hilo on January 9.) This talk was presented as part of the Island of Hawai‘i's 11th annual "Volcano Awareness Month." Volcano Awareness Month is spearheaded by the USGS–Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, in cooperation with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, and provides informative and engaging public programs about the science and hazards of Hawaiian volcanoes. Cover photo caption: Ground cracks in front of sign at HVO’s former location atop Kīlauea formed during the 2018 summit collapse. USGS photo.