USGS staff are deploying temporarily instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
2019 Kīlauea Disaster Supplemental Funding: Scientific Investigations, Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetotelluric
Active
By Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery Activities
April 27, 2022
Through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157), the USGS received Supplemental funding to support recovery and rebuilding activities in the wake of the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. Supplemental funding will enable the USGS to conduct scientific investigations of the current state of Kīlauea to properly interpret the data from the monitoring networks and characterize the ongoing and future threats and hazards to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Scientific investigations of the current state of Kīlauea are needed to properly interpret the data from the monitoring networks and characterize the ongoing and future threats and hazards to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities. An integrated program of geophysical, geochemical, and geologic investigations are necessary to understand the shallow magma reservoir status and evolution post-2018. This work will improve our understanding of summit and rift zone structure and magmatic plumbing, the history and likelihood of dangerous explosive eruptions from the summit region, and our understanding of the rift zones where the greatest concentration of risk exists on Kīlauea. Seventeen different research projects are supported.
Airborne Electromagnetic and magnetic (AEM) and ground based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Activity Description/Goal: Image Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) magmatic and hydrothermal system with airborne electromagnetic and magnetic (AEM) and ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Activity Timeline:
May-June, 2023: MT survey sites within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) and potentially Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone
February 5-25, 2023: MT survey sites in Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone
July 29-August 31, 2022: AEM survey of Kīlauea
July 7, 2022: Public meeting at Pahoa Community Center: Meeting flier.
May 16-June 12, 2022: MT survey sites within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP)
May 6, 2022: Notification of a USGS volcano research project on Kīlauea Volcano - letter sent to Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs)
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Notification of a USGS volcano research project on Kīlauea Volcano
The U.S. Geological Survey is planning to conduct a helicopter geophysical survey over Kīlauea and parts of Mauna Loa, Island of Hawaiʻi, funded as part of the effort to understand the eruption mechanics of Kīlauea to inform future volcanic hazards assessments (H.R. 2157). The project plans to collect airborne geophysical data to image shallow (upper 2,000 ft) structure, alteration, magma, groundwater and thermal fluid paths over Kīlauea and parts of Mauna Loa. In addition, we plan to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image magma and structure within the upper 5,000-35,000 ft. This letter is a courtesy notice regarding the surveys.
The USGS is the earth and natural science bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS mission is to provide impartial scientific information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, and the natural resources that sustain us. The USGS does not create regulations and does not have land management responsibilities.
The MT project will be first with data collected over two field seasons, beginning May 16 to June 12, 2022 mostly within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP), with follow-up in spring, 2023 at scattered locations on Kīlauea volcano. The tentative time frame for the helicopter survey is June 28 to July 18, 2022. The survey area is approximately 50 by 15 miles, with most of the data collected over Kīlauea volcano and, if time and resources permit, a few scattered lines on Mauna Loa.
MT is a passive electromagnetic geophysical method that measures time-variations of natural electric and magnetic fields at Earth’s surface. It is carried out by temporarily installing electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers and data loggers at select locations for a time period of 1-2 days. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. The magnetometers must be buried as well to minimize wind noise, each in a narrow trench about 3’ long and a few inches wide and deep. The total ground disturbance at each station is less than 1 square yard. All digging is carried out using hand tools; soil and vegetation are excavated onto tarps and replaced after each sensor is installed. The instruments pose no health risk to people or animals.
The helicopter geophysical survey will be conducted from air space over HVNP, Hawaii State lands, and Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate lands of Kīlauea volcano. The survey aircraft will not fly over or collect any data from Native Hawaiian homelands (DHHL), residential areas or other regions excluded by Federal Aviation Administration regulations or HVNP policies. The data will be collected with a 40-ft-square, horizontal loop suspended 35 ft below a helicopter flying about 120-175 ft above the ground or treetops. The loop will be about 85-140 ft above ground or treetops (Fig. 1). The system transmits weak, low-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures the Earth response as well as passively detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. These variations are created by different rock types and water content at and beneath Earth’s surface. Experienced pilots specially trained and approved for low-level flying will operate the aircraft. All flights will occur during daylight hours and are coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure accordance with U.S. law. None of the instruments carried on the aircraft pose a health risk to people or animals.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
We are working with HVNP, Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate, and the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and various other land owners to gain permission to access ground MT measurement sites. Fig. 2 is preliminary map showing the proposed, but not final, MT sites and the proposed area covered by the airborne survey. The most up-to-date maps for both projects will be available at https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/science/2018-kilauea-disaster-su…;
The data collected will be made public and used to guide increase understanding of the eruption dynamics of Kīlauea. This information benefits the national park, local government, and the island community by providing critical subsurface input for assessing the volcanic hazards of Kīlauea and thereby aiding emergency planning.
If you have questions about this project, please contact Jim Kauahikaua, a USGS Project investigator at: jimk@usgs.gov or askHVO@usgs.gov.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
USGS staff are deploying temporarily instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
USGS scientist deploys electrode at temporary site
USGS scientists are deploying temporary sites on Kīlauea during July to conduct magnetotelluric (MT) sounding. At each site, electrodes and wire coils buried at shallow depths will passively measure the electromagnetic (EM) energy generated by lightning strikes around the equator.
USGS scientists are deploying temporary sites on Kīlauea during July to conduct magnetotelluric (MT) sounding. At each site, electrodes and wire coils buried at shallow depths will passively measure the electromagnetic (EM) energy generated by lightning strikes around the equator.
Scientist tests instrument to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
A USGS geophysicist measures contact resistance on electrodes at a temporary magnetotelluric site. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. Data collected by the instruments will help to image the structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
A USGS geophysicist measures contact resistance on electrodes at a temporary magnetotelluric site. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. Data collected by the instruments will help to image the structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
During July, HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for about a month. This photo shows a magnetometer in the foreground being buried in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.
During July, HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for about a month. This photo shows a magnetometer in the foreground being buried in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
From the eruption-viewing area near Keanakāko‘i crater, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop were visible within Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. This survey, which is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.
From the eruption-viewing area near Keanakāko‘i crater, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop were visible within Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. This survey, which is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
Another telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey, taken as the helicopter traversed over Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, at Kīlauea summit. This photo was taken from Uēkahuna overlook within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and helicopter and loop are visible in the center left of the image.
Another telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey, taken as the helicopter traversed over Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, at Kīlauea summit. This photo was taken from Uēkahuna overlook within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and helicopter and loop are visible in the center left of the image.
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
A telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on July 28, 2022. The helicopter and hoop are visible in the center of the image, surveying over the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera. This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.
A telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on July 28, 2022. The helicopter and hoop are visible in the center of the image, surveying over the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera. This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
A view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—taken from Uēkahuna overlook in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The loop system below the helicopter transmits weak, low-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures the Earth response as well as passively detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.
A view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—taken from Uēkahuna overlook in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The loop system below the helicopter transmits weak, low-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures the Earth response as well as passively detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.
AEM Survey over Kīlauea summit
This morning, July 28, the USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory flew the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A helicopter flew about 120-175 ft above the ground in a grid-like pattern with a 40-ft horizontal loop suspended 35 ft below it.
This morning, July 28, the USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory flew the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A helicopter flew about 120-175 ft above the ground in a grid-like pattern with a 40-ft horizontal loop suspended 35 ft below it.
Magnetotelluric (MT) instrument
The magnetotelluric (MT) instruments pose no health risk to people or animals and over 1–2 days will collect data that will inform HVO and collaborating scientists about the subsurface structure and fluids.
The magnetotelluric (MT) instruments pose no health risk to people or animals and over 1–2 days will collect data that will inform HVO and collaborating scientists about the subsurface structure and fluids.
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
At each magnetotelluric (MT) site, three electrodes are installed. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. The electrode is encapsulated in a canvas bag filled with bentonite, and water is poured in the electrode hole to improve the contact resistance.
At each magnetotelluric (MT) site, three electrodes are installed. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. The electrode is encapsulated in a canvas bag filled with bentonite, and water is poured in the electrode hole to improve the contact resistance.
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea volcano’s south flank. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for 1–2 days. This photo shows a magnetometer being prepared for burial in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.
HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea volcano’s south flank. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for 1–2 days. This photo shows a magnetometer being prepared for burial in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
During the first half of June, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) staff, along with collaborators from other parts of USGS, temporarily deployed instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
During the first half of June, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) staff, along with collaborators from other parts of USGS, temporarily deployed instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
Through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157), the USGS received Supplemental funding to support recovery and rebuilding activities in the wake of the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. Supplemental funding will enable the USGS to conduct scientific investigations of the current state of Kīlauea to properly interpret the data from the monitoring networks and characterize the ongoing and future threats and hazards to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Scientific investigations of the current state of Kīlauea are needed to properly interpret the data from the monitoring networks and characterize the ongoing and future threats and hazards to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and surrounding communities. An integrated program of geophysical, geochemical, and geologic investigations are necessary to understand the shallow magma reservoir status and evolution post-2018. This work will improve our understanding of summit and rift zone structure and magmatic plumbing, the history and likelihood of dangerous explosive eruptions from the summit region, and our understanding of the rift zones where the greatest concentration of risk exists on Kīlauea. Seventeen different research projects are supported.
Airborne Electromagnetic and magnetic (AEM) and ground based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Activity Description/Goal: Image Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) magmatic and hydrothermal system with airborne electromagnetic and magnetic (AEM) and ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Activity Timeline:
May-June, 2023: MT survey sites within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) and potentially Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone
February 5-25, 2023: MT survey sites in Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone
July 29-August 31, 2022: AEM survey of Kīlauea
July 7, 2022: Public meeting at Pahoa Community Center: Meeting flier.
May 16-June 12, 2022: MT survey sites within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP)
May 6, 2022: Notification of a USGS volcano research project on Kīlauea Volcano - letter sent to Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs)
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Notification of a USGS volcano research project on Kīlauea Volcano
The U.S. Geological Survey is planning to conduct a helicopter geophysical survey over Kīlauea and parts of Mauna Loa, Island of Hawaiʻi, funded as part of the effort to understand the eruption mechanics of Kīlauea to inform future volcanic hazards assessments (H.R. 2157). The project plans to collect airborne geophysical data to image shallow (upper 2,000 ft) structure, alteration, magma, groundwater and thermal fluid paths over Kīlauea and parts of Mauna Loa. In addition, we plan to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image magma and structure within the upper 5,000-35,000 ft. This letter is a courtesy notice regarding the surveys.
The USGS is the earth and natural science bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS mission is to provide impartial scientific information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, and the natural resources that sustain us. The USGS does not create regulations and does not have land management responsibilities.
The MT project will be first with data collected over two field seasons, beginning May 16 to June 12, 2022 mostly within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (HVNP), with follow-up in spring, 2023 at scattered locations on Kīlauea volcano. The tentative time frame for the helicopter survey is June 28 to July 18, 2022. The survey area is approximately 50 by 15 miles, with most of the data collected over Kīlauea volcano and, if time and resources permit, a few scattered lines on Mauna Loa.
MT is a passive electromagnetic geophysical method that measures time-variations of natural electric and magnetic fields at Earth’s surface. It is carried out by temporarily installing electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers and data loggers at select locations for a time period of 1-2 days. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. The magnetometers must be buried as well to minimize wind noise, each in a narrow trench about 3’ long and a few inches wide and deep. The total ground disturbance at each station is less than 1 square yard. All digging is carried out using hand tools; soil and vegetation are excavated onto tarps and replaced after each sensor is installed. The instruments pose no health risk to people or animals.
The helicopter geophysical survey will be conducted from air space over HVNP, Hawaii State lands, and Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate lands of Kīlauea volcano. The survey aircraft will not fly over or collect any data from Native Hawaiian homelands (DHHL), residential areas or other regions excluded by Federal Aviation Administration regulations or HVNP policies. The data will be collected with a 40-ft-square, horizontal loop suspended 35 ft below a helicopter flying about 120-175 ft above the ground or treetops. The loop will be about 85-140 ft above ground or treetops (Fig. 1). The system transmits weak, low-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures the Earth response as well as passively detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. These variations are created by different rock types and water content at and beneath Earth’s surface. Experienced pilots specially trained and approved for low-level flying will operate the aircraft. All flights will occur during daylight hours and are coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure accordance with U.S. law. None of the instruments carried on the aircraft pose a health risk to people or animals.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
We are working with HVNP, Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate, and the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and various other land owners to gain permission to access ground MT measurement sites. Fig. 2 is preliminary map showing the proposed, but not final, MT sites and the proposed area covered by the airborne survey. The most up-to-date maps for both projects will be available at https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/science/2018-kilauea-disaster-su…;
The data collected will be made public and used to guide increase understanding of the eruption dynamics of Kīlauea. This information benefits the national park, local government, and the island community by providing critical subsurface input for assessing the volcanic hazards of Kīlauea and thereby aiding emergency planning.
If you have questions about this project, please contact Jim Kauahikaua, a USGS Project investigator at: jimk@usgs.gov or askHVO@usgs.gov.
Media
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
USGS staff are deploying temporarily instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
USGS staff are deploying temporarily instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
USGS scientist deploys electrode at temporary site
USGS scientists are deploying temporary sites on Kīlauea during July to conduct magnetotelluric (MT) sounding. At each site, electrodes and wire coils buried at shallow depths will passively measure the electromagnetic (EM) energy generated by lightning strikes around the equator.
USGS scientists are deploying temporary sites on Kīlauea during July to conduct magnetotelluric (MT) sounding. At each site, electrodes and wire coils buried at shallow depths will passively measure the electromagnetic (EM) energy generated by lightning strikes around the equator.
Scientist tests instrument to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
A USGS geophysicist measures contact resistance on electrodes at a temporary magnetotelluric site. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. Data collected by the instruments will help to image the structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
A USGS geophysicist measures contact resistance on electrodes at a temporary magnetotelluric site. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. Data collected by the instruments will help to image the structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
During July, HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for about a month. This photo shows a magnetometer in the foreground being buried in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.
During July, HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for about a month. This photo shows a magnetometer in the foreground being buried in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
From the eruption-viewing area near Keanakāko‘i crater, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop were visible within Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. This survey, which is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.
From the eruption-viewing area near Keanakāko‘i crater, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop were visible within Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. This survey, which is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
Another telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey, taken as the helicopter traversed over Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, at Kīlauea summit. This photo was taken from Uēkahuna overlook within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and helicopter and loop are visible in the center left of the image.
Another telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey, taken as the helicopter traversed over Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, at Kīlauea summit. This photo was taken from Uēkahuna overlook within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and helicopter and loop are visible in the center left of the image.
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
A telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on July 28, 2022. The helicopter and hoop are visible in the center of the image, surveying over the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera. This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.
A telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on July 28, 2022. The helicopter and hoop are visible in the center of the image, surveying over the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera. This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
A view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—taken from Uēkahuna overlook in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The loop system below the helicopter transmits weak, low-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures the Earth response as well as passively detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.
A view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—taken from Uēkahuna overlook in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The loop system below the helicopter transmits weak, low-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures the Earth response as well as passively detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.
AEM Survey over Kīlauea summit
This morning, July 28, the USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory flew the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A helicopter flew about 120-175 ft above the ground in a grid-like pattern with a 40-ft horizontal loop suspended 35 ft below it.
This morning, July 28, the USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory flew the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A helicopter flew about 120-175 ft above the ground in a grid-like pattern with a 40-ft horizontal loop suspended 35 ft below it.
Magnetotelluric (MT) instrument
The magnetotelluric (MT) instruments pose no health risk to people or animals and over 1–2 days will collect data that will inform HVO and collaborating scientists about the subsurface structure and fluids.
The magnetotelluric (MT) instruments pose no health risk to people or animals and over 1–2 days will collect data that will inform HVO and collaborating scientists about the subsurface structure and fluids.
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
At each magnetotelluric (MT) site, three electrodes are installed. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. The electrode is encapsulated in a canvas bag filled with bentonite, and water is poured in the electrode hole to improve the contact resistance.
At each magnetotelluric (MT) site, three electrodes are installed. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. The electrode is encapsulated in a canvas bag filled with bentonite, and water is poured in the electrode hole to improve the contact resistance.
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea volcano’s south flank. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for 1–2 days. This photo shows a magnetometer being prepared for burial in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.
HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea volcano’s south flank. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for 1–2 days. This photo shows a magnetometer being prepared for burial in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
During the first half of June, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) staff, along with collaborators from other parts of USGS, temporarily deployed instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.
During the first half of June, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) staff, along with collaborators from other parts of USGS, temporarily deployed instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.