Kīlauea Tiltmeter Data Releases

Tiltmeter data is routinely collected by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory for the purpose of monitoring ground deformation associated with volcanic processes and to provide public safety information before, during, and after natural disasters to minimize the loss of life and property. Tiltmeter data at Kīlauea aids in providing accurate assessments, enhanced understanding, long-term monitoring, short-term forecasting, real time information and communications, analysis of mitigation strategies, and distribution of information related to volcano hazards and risks.

Monitoring lava lake fluctuations and crater refilling with continuous laser rangefinders

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The USGS–Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has developed a new method to continuously monitor lava lake elevations. Since 2018, HVO has stationed a laser rangefinder on Kīlauea’s caldera rim. The instrument automatically measures lava lake elevation each second, with centimeter accuracy. A stream of elevation data flows to HVO’s database and public website, contributing a valuable channel to HVO’s volcano monitoring network. The data display is intuitive for users, providing essential information with a new level of clarity. HVO has used this method to track Kīlauea’s changing lava lake elevations over a series of eruptions, and the time series data show several volcanic processes: crater refilling, gas pistoning, lava lake surface behavior, and endogenous crater floor uplift. This technique is versatile, nimble, and easy to use. Continuous laser rangefinders may also prove useful for tracking lava lakes elsewhere, and for monitoring other hazards such as growing lava domes and debris flows. 

Full References for new USGS Data Releases and Publication: 

Ellis, A.P., and Johanson, I.A., 2025, Tiltmeter data from Kīlauea stations (ESC, IKI, JKA, KAE, POC, SDH, SMC, UWE) from January 1 to December 31, 2023: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P1435ZZ5.

Ellis, A.P., and Johanson, I.A., 2025, Tiltmeter data from Kīlauea stations (ESC, IKI, JKA, KAE, POC, SDH, UWD, UWE) from January 1 to December 31, 2024: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P14APFQU.

Younger, E., Tollett, W., Patrick, M., 2025, Monitoring lava lake fluctuations and crater refilling with continuous laser rangefinders: Journal of Applied Volcanology, 14, 4, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13617-025-00152-5.