Magma Intrusion and Shaking Recorded at Kīlauea Volcano Summit

In short: Scientists observed a shallow underground movement of magma accompanied by earthquakes and ground swelling at the summit of Kīlauea. The volcano remains at an alert level of watch, and future activity could include lava fountaining or new eruptions.

Deep beneath the fiery vents of Kīlauea volcano, molten rock carved out a brand new underground path while the ground shook and swelled.

What happened, in plain words

Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that an underground movement of magma happened beneath the summit of Kīlauea on the night of September 30. This event brought a flurry of earthquakes, rapid ground swelling, and a magnitude 3.4 earthquake. Geologists flew over the summit the next morning to check for changes but saw no obvious new ground cracks from the event.

Key points

• Underground magma path On September 30, magma began making a new path below the surface of the caldera while lava erupted from north and south vents.
• Earthquake swarms A series of earthquakes started around 2:00 p.m. HST, followed by a second swarm of more than 50 earthquakes that peaked with a magnitude 3.4 event.
• Rapid ground swelling Tiltmeters recorded fast changes and about 40 microradians of inflation, pointing to crack growth near the vent area.
• Aerial monitoring An overflight on October 1 by geologists using visual and thermal cameras found no anomalously hot areas or obvious new ground cracks caused by the intrusion.

Terms explained

• Magma — Molten or melted rock that stays hidden underneath the ground inside a volcano. Example: Hot wax moving inside a sealed, warm lava lamp.
• Caldera — A large bowl-shaped hollow or crater that forms on top of a volcano after a collapse or eruption. Example: A large, empty mixing bowl sitting on a table.
• Tiltmeter — A very sensitive scientific instrument used to measure tiny changes in the slope or tilt of the ground. Example: A tiny bubble level resting on a table that shifts if someone bumps the floor.
• Intrusion — When underground magma squeezes its way into cracks or spaces inside the surrounding rock without necessarily reaching the surface. Example: Squeezing thick toothpaste into a narrow crack in a piece of wood.

Why it matters

Keeping track of magma movements and earthquakes helps scientists understand how volcanoes behave. This ongoing monitoring provides important updates for people living near Kīlauea about potential changes in volcanic activity.

What we still don't know

It remains unknown exactly how the volcano will act next, as new intrusions could stay underground or create new vents. While current activity stays at the summit, magma could eventually move out of the summit region with little to no warning.

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Source: USGS. The original is licensed Domínio público (EUA), exceto conteúdo de terceiros. This text is an AI-assisted adaptation (summarized, simplified and translated) and may differ from the original.