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Using ground crack and very low frequency measurements to map the location of the June 2007 Father’s Day dike, Kīlauea Volcano

April 12, 2024

An intrusion into Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone during June 17–19, 2007, during the 1983–2018 Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption, led to widespread ground cracking and a small (approximately 1,525 cubic meters) eruption on the northeast flank of Kānenuiohamo, a cone about 6 kilometers upslope from Pu‘u‘ō‘ō. Transmitted and induced very low frequency (VLF) magnetic fields were measured with a handheld VLF receiver along transects spanning the dike trace, and zones of ground cracking related to the intrusion were mapped. The locations of crack zones and the VLF receiver measurements suggest that the Father’s Day dike splayed as it approached the surface, dividing into four segments—one between Pauahi Crater and Pu‘uhuluhulu and three en echelon segments near Kānenuiohamo. The dike did not extend appreciably northeastward beyond the eruption site.

Publication Year 2024
Title Using ground crack and very low frequency measurements to map the location of the June 2007 Father’s Day dike, Kīlauea Volcano
DOI 10.3133/sir20245030
Authors Tim R. Orr, James P. Kauahikaua, Christina Heliker
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Scientific Investigations Report
Series Number 2024-5030
Index ID sir20245030
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Volcano Science Center