Second report of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Hawaiian Volcano Research Association: On cyclical variations in eruption at Kilauea

This work treats chiefly of observed changes in the height of stand of molten lava in the crater of Kilauea. It also takes account of concurrent variations in the apparent energy of eruptive action at the surface of the magma column. With little doubt these conditions vary in a complex periodic way.

To explain these periods in part an hypothesis is advanced which depends upon recurrent astronomical changes. It would be exceedingly difficult to develop this in any thorough dynamical way. Yet it is doubtful if any other treatment could serve quite adequately. Obviously the form given it in this study is crude.

In ordinary language it is not easy to state the idea precisely, so as to differentiate the exact action hypothesized from action of a similar and familiar kind. Consequently such a presentation of the hypothesis as this is susceptible of erroneous comprehension. Besides, through incompleteness, this non-mathematical statement of it may be wrong in certain aspects or details. Therefore this paper must be read guardedly and with close attention.