Groundwater dynamics at Kīlauea Volcano and vicinity, Hawaiʻi
Kīlauea Volcano, on the Island of Hawaiʻi, is surrounded and permeated by active groundwater systems that interact dynamically with the volcanic system. A generalized conceptual model of Hawaiian hydrogeology includes high-level dike-impounded groundwater, very permeable perched and basal aquifers, and a transition (mixing) zone between freshwater and saltwater. Most high-level groundwater is associated with the low-permeability intrusive complexes that underlie volcanic rift zones and calderas and also act to compartmentalize the groundwater system. Hydrogeologic studies of Kīlauea in recent decades, accompanied by deep research drilling, have shown that high-level groundwater is more widespread than once understood, that permeability decreases dramatically at depth, particularly in rift zones, and that freshwater can occur at depths of as much as several kilometers below the local water table. Copious groundwater recharge causes near-surface conductive heat flow to be near zero over much of Kīlauea. Approximately 95 percent of groundwater discharge occurs offshore, accompanied by approximately 99 percent of the approximately 6,000 megawatts of heat supplied by magmatic intrusion. Here, we summarize current understanding of the groundwater system of Kīlauea Volcano and describe transient changes during the decade or more preceding the 2018 eruption sequence. The changes in groundwater chemistry and thermal structure beneath Kīlauea summit hold implications for volcanic-volatile transport and the potential for explosive volcanism. Between 2008 and 2018, the magma conduit beneath the lava lake likely created an adjacent zone of very hot rock that significantly delayed liquid groundwater inflow to the draining magma conduit. Sulfate concentrations in groundwater beneath Kīlauea summit, sampled at the National Science Foundation-funded drill hole 1.5 kilometers south-southwest of the lava lake, declined substantially between 2010 and present. This decline likely reflects, at least in part, the decreased effectiveness of volatile condensation and solution into groundwater (scrubbing). The vent opening in 2008 presumably focused volatile flux into the vicinity of the vent, and progressive drying of the surroundings further restricted interaction with the groundwater system. The decrease in sulfate concentrations in the drill hole between 2010 and 2018 likely reflects decreased effectiveness of scrubbing.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Title | Groundwater dynamics at Kīlauea Volcano and vicinity, Hawaiʻi |
| DOI | 10.3133/pp1867F |
| Authors | Shaul Hurwitz, Sara E. Peek, Martha A. Scholl, Deborah Bergfeld, William C. Evans, James P. Kauahikaua, Stephen B. Gingerich, Paul A. Hsieh, R. Lopaka Lee, Edward F. Younger, Steven E. Ingebritsen |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Series Title | Professional Paper |
| Series Number | 1867 |
| Index ID | pp1867F |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; Volcano Science Center |
Related Content
Water level, temperature and chemistry in a deep well on the summit of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
Jim Kauahikaua (Former Employee)
Research Geophysicist
Stephen B Gingerich
Research Hydrologist
Paul Hsieh (Former Employee)
Scientist Emeritus
R. Lopaka Lee
Computer Scientist
E. Frank Younger
Hydrologic Technician
Related Content
- Data
Water level, temperature and chemistry in a deep well on the summit of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii
Kilauea, on the Island of Hawaii is one of the world's most active volcanoes and it hosts one of the densest volcano monitoring networks. A deep well on the southwest rim of Kilauea's caldera, often referred to informally as the "NSF Well" or the "Keller Well" was drilled in 1973 to a depth of 1,262 meters from an elevation of 1,103 meters. The ultimate goal of the drilling project was to "test pr - Connect
Jim Kauahikaua (Former Employee)
Research GeophysicistStephen B Gingerich
Research HydrologistEmailPaul Hsieh (Former Employee)
Scientist EmeritusR. Lopaka Lee
Computer ScientistEmailPhoneE. Frank Younger
Hydrologic TechnicianEmail