-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KILAUEA Hawaii, USA 19.43°N, 155.29°W; summit elev. 1,222 m: All times are local (= UTC - 10 hours) Reports from 2000: | November | December | Reports from 2001: | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Reports from 2002: | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Reports from 2003: | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Reports from 2004: | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Reports from 2005: | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Reports from 2006: | January | February | March | April | May | Kilauea Activity Information from the SI/USGS Global Volcanism Program - "Reports provided courtesy of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program and the US Geological Survey's Volcano Hazards Program." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7 November 2000 The HVO reported that lava continued to enter the ocean at the Kamokuna entry as it has since late September 2000. Surface lava flows were visible sporadically through the week. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o vent was moderate and earthquake activity was low across the island. Tilt measured at Kilauea's summit was rather flat, as it was elsewhere along the E rift zone, continuing the long-term slow deflation underway since the eruption began in 1983. On 5 November the bodies of two hikers who died on 3 November were found on Kilauea. According to an Associated Press article, a National Park Service Ranger stated that the hikers suffered severe burns, cuts, and abrasions. Authorities believed the hikers may have bypassed warning signs and hiked beyond the recommended area. The cause of their deaths was not known as of 7 November, but it was thought that they may have been struck by lightning or scalded by lava-heated sea water while they were on the active bench (land built out from the sea cliff). Refer to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website for more details. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Associated Press -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8-14 November 2000 Lava continued to flow across the coastal flat and into the sea at the Kamokuna entry. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o vent remained at a moderate level and earthquake activity was low across the island. The tilt-meters at Kilauea's summit and along the east rift zone showed flat signals. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15-21 November 2000 Lava continued to flow across the coastal flat and into the sea near the Kamokuna entry. Surface flows were visible sporadically during the week. At 1408 on 16 November tour pilots observed a large collapse of the bench (land built out from the sea cliff) at Kamokuna that sent ~30 % of the bench into the sea in ~6 seconds. The large explosion that followed the collapse produced a large amount of spatter and a big, billowing, mostly white plume that rose to 600-1,800 m a.s.l. None of the spatter was directed inland. Overall, volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o vent remained at a moderate level. Earthquake activity related to volcanism was low across the island, but for several hours on the night of 15 November a giant earthquake (M 8) in New Ireland, Paupau New Guinea caused slow, peak-to-peak oscillations at Kilauea's summit seismometer and set off alarms at two tiltmeters. Otherwise, the tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit crater and along the east rift zone showed flat signals. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the USGS National Earthquake Information Center -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22-28 November 2000 Lava continued to flow through the tube system, entering the sea at the Kamokuna entry. Overall, earthquake activity was low across the island. Volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o vent remained at a moderate level, while tremor and a few shallow earthquakes were detected at Kilauea's summit. The tilt-meters at Kilauea's summit and along the east rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 November- 5 December 2000 Lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Kamokuna entry. Overall, earthquake activity was low across the island. Tremor and a few shallow earthquakes continued to be detected at Kilauea's summit; the tremor local to the summit was particularly noticeable. The tilt-meters at Kilauea's summit and along the east rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-12 December 2000 A small flow of lava entered the sea at the Kamokuna entry and no surface activity was observed on Pulama pali (a fault scarp) or the coastal flat. Overall, earthquake activity was low across the island. Tremor and a few shallow earthquakes continued to be detected at Kilauea's summit; the tremor local to the summit that was particularly noticeable last week decreased in intensity on ~8 December. The tilt-meters at Kilauea's summit and along the east rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13-19 December 2000 Lava flowed into the sea at the Kamokuna entry until 17 December. From the 17th until the 19th of December (the end of the report period) no lava was observed flowing into the sea. During the week several `a`a flows were visible traveling down Pulama pali. Overall, earthquake activity was low across the island. Volcanic tremor was at normal levels near Pu`u `O`o and beneath Kilauea caldera. A tiltmeter near HVO showed slight deflation the morning of 19 December, while all other tiltmeters on Kilauea showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20-26 December 2000 During the week surface lava flows continued to flow down Pulama pali, with the lava flow front more than 2 km inland from the sea. Overall, seismic tremor was weak to moderate near Pu`u `O`o and was weak beneath Kilauea caldera. The tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit and along the east rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 December 2000- 2 January 2001 Surface lava flows continued to travel down Pulama Pali and across the coastal flat to within about 2 km inland from the sea. Overall, seismic tremor was weak-to-moderate near Pu`u `O`o and was weak beneath Kilauea caldera. The tiltmeters at Kilauea's summit and along the east rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-9 January 2001 According to HVO, lava flows continued to travel down the Pulama Pali and across the coastal flat. The flows progressed no farther than ~2 km inland from the sea as they had for the previous two weeks. By the end of the report week, surface lava flows were sparse, and only incandescent patches remained on the Pali and coastal flats. During 6 to 8 January, Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o went through periods of deflation and inflation that were accompanied by increased volcanic tremor. Refer to the US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory update for details about the event. By 8 January the tilt at the summit and Pu`u `O`o, and the seismicity appeared to have returned to background levels. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10-16 January 2001 According to HVO, surface flows on Pulama pali diminished after 9 January. Activity continued on the morning of 10 January from both the W and E tongues. Each was incandescent near the top, and on the lower fourth, of the pali. The much larger W tongue was burning trees along its upper E edge. By the early morning of 11 January, the only incandescence was in the W tongue. Fires continued along the E side of the upper W tongue. The crater of Pu`u `O`o was dimly glowing both mornings. By the morning of 16 January, one flow extended more than halfway down the pali, with patchy incandescence near the base. Glow above the pali and E of the flow on the pali moved eastward overnight; this glow has been there for about a week and indicates uncrusted surface lava or a fire. Lava continued to pond, thicken, and gradually spread seaward on the coastal flat below the pali. Only the faintest of glows came from the July 2000 pit on 16 January. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o and in Kilauea`s caldera continued through this period at a low to moderate level, but bursts of strong tremor lasted about 30 minutes on the morning of the 11th and less than an hour on the 15th. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17-23 January 2001 According to HVO, a broad lava flow traveled down Pulama pali as a continuation of the series of lava lobes that developed and descended the pali for the previous 2-3 weeks. In addition, a surface breakout E of the main flow traveled down the forested slope. Small volumes of lava began to enter the sea on 21 January, while most of the lava flowed at the surface and stopped short of the coastline. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o and in Kilauea`s caldera was at low-to-moderate levels. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone showed no deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24-30 January 2001 Surface lava flow activity on Pulama pali gradually declined during 27 and 28 January, with only two flows near the E and W sides of the flow field. By 29 January, the area where lava entered the ocean was relatively large and a small bench (land built out from the sea cliff) was being constructed. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o and in Kilauea`s caldera was at low-to-moderate levels. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone showed no deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 January- 6 February 2001 The HVO reported that lava had not entered the sea since 29 January. Surface lava flow activity occurred primarily on the E branch of the flow on the Pulama pali, with some breakouts occurring along the trace of the W branch of the flow. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o and in Kilauea`s caldera was at low-to-moderate levels. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the E rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-13 February 2001 Surface flows continued to travel down the Pulama pali, with no lava entering the sea. A tiltmeter near the HVO showed a small (about 0.4 microradian) deflation shortly before 1230 on 10 February. After 10 February, tiltmeters in the summit area and along the E rift zone showed flat signals. Volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o and in Kilauea`s caldera was at low-to-moderate levels. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14-20 February 2001 Lava flows continued to travel down the Pulama pali and across the coastal flat without entering the sea. During 17 and 19 February a weak swarm of shallow earthquakes occurred within the caldera. The HVO reported that the swarm was not unusual and appeared to be dying off by the end of the report period. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o was at low-to-moderate levels. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the E rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21-27 February 2001 Lava continued to flow SE down the Pulama pali and across the coastal plain to within 1 km of the coast. At 1317 on 20 February a M 3.7 earthquake occurred that was centered about 5 km SE of Halemaumau Crater at a very shallow depth. Brief summit deflation occurred on 24 February, but ended the next day with no corresponding period of inflation following it. NE of Kilauea at Mauna Kea volcano, a swarm of earthquakes occurred during 22-24 February on Mauna Kea's NE flank. The earthquakes were all approximately M 3 and occurred at 2-12 km depth. Swarms occasionally occur in this area of Mauna Kea. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 February-6 March 2001 Lava continued to flow down Pulama pali without reaching the sea. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o was low-to-moderate and tremor at Kilauea's caldera was low. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the E rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-13 March 2001 Lava slowly flowed SE down the Pulama pali and across the coastal plain in a broad flow front, ~1.5 km wide. Much of the flow front was within 1-1.3 km of the coastline, with the closest point ~700 m from the coast. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o was low-to-moderate and tremor at Kilauea's caldera was low. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the E rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14-20 March 2001 Lava continued to flow down the Pulama Pali and across the coastal flat as it has for the past 2.5 months. By the end of the week the front of the lava flow was within 300 m of the coast. During the previous couple of weeks, the lava flows had traveled farther E than any active flows since 1992. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o was low-to-moderate and tremor at Kilauea's caldera was low. For approximately the previous 2 weeks, small low-frequency earthquakes occurred below the caldera. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the E rift zone showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21-27 March 2001 Lava continued to flow down the Pulama Pali and across the coastal flat, but has not yet entered the ocean. During the past few weeks, the flows have covered about 230 m of the private access road to Royal Gardens and are now farther east than any active flows since 1992. Activity is robust on the coastal flat near the truncated road that formerly accessed Royal Gardens but that has long since been cut off by lava. Flows in the area were observed in the last few days to be feeding dozens of breakouts and to be rapidly inflating. Ground observers can often hear methane explosions from burning vegetation along the base of Pulama pali. This activity is part of the "east flow," but lava in the old "west flow" reappeared on the morning of 28 March. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o was low-to-moderate and tremor at Kilauea's caldera was low. For approximately the previous 2 weeks, small low-frequency earthquakes occurred below the caldera. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone are showing no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 March- 3 April 2001 The HVO reported on 2 April that surface lava flows confined to a single flow in the E branch of the flow field continued to travel down the Pulama Pali. In addition, lava flows were still visible on the coastal plain and were 400-450 m from the coast. Overall, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o cone was at low-to-moderate levels and at Kilauea's caldera tremor was low. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-10 April 2001 Moderate eruptive activity was visible during most of the week, but during 7-9 April Kilauea also went through phases of deflation, inflation, and increased seismicity. On 7 April, lava flowed down the Pulama Pali in two surface streams. At 0300 on 7 April summit tiltmeters began to show deflation, and starting at ~0620 volcanic tremor and long-period earthquakes increased. The phase ended in the early afternoon with a total of 3 microradians of deflation. By 8 April there was no glow from surface flows on or above Pulama Pali, which indicated that an apparent pause in the eruption occurred the previous day. At ~0200 on 8 April the summit began to inflate and about an hour later the amplitude of tremor and the rate of long-period earthquakes began to decline for about 2 hours. The inflation ended at about 1000, regaining up to 2.5 microradians at the summit. By 9 April surface lava flows traveled down Pulama Pali, seismic activity returned to normal levels, and all tiltmeters showed flat signals. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11-17 April 2001 After phases of deflation, inflation, and increased seismicity last week, volcanic activity at Kilauea returned to normal levels. Lava flowed down the Pulama pali and several surface flows were visible on the coastal flat. By 15 April surface lava flows seemed to diminish. Generally, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o cone and in Kilauea's caldera was at a low levels. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18-24 April 2001 Surface lava flows were visible above the Pulama Pali and traveling down it without reaching the coast. The lava flows were predominately pahoehoe with minor `a`a. Generally, volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o cone and in Kilauea's caldera was at low levels, although a swarm of long-period earthquakes occurred beneath the caldera from 18 to at least 24 April. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 April- 1 May 2001 Lava continued to flow down the Pulama pali and across the coastal flat. On 25 April a small stream of lava reached the sea for the first time since late January. The lava stopped trickling into the sea on 29 April. On that day an unstable block of the lava bench fell into the sea, producing a loud noise and generating an explosion that tossed rocks onto dry land. A M 4.4 earthquake on the afternoon of 25 April was followed by a few small aftershocks during the rest of the week. A swarm of long-period earthquakes that began on 18 April continued through at least 27 April. The tilt at the summit was neither flat nor consistently in one direction or the other. Tiltmeters along the east rift zone indicated that there was no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-8 May 2001 Small streams of lava traveled down the Pulama Pali fault scarp. On 6 May lava was visible entering the sea at three locations and producing small steam plumes. The swarm of long-period earthquakes that occurred beneath the caldera the previous week came to an end. Generally, earthquake activity and volcanic tremor near Pu`u `O`o and in Kilauea's caldera were at low levels. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9-15 May 2001 Surface lava flows were visible traveling down Pulama Pali. Three ocean-entry benches were seen along the SE corner of the active lava flow field. The active lava flow was 300-500 m from the nearest house in the Royal Gardens subdivision, but the homes may be protected from the lava by a barrier of `a`a deposited in 1983. Volcanic tremor was higher than normal during 12 and 13 May and small earthquakes were recorded in the caldera. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16-22 May 2001 Lava continued to flow down Pulama pali and was observed entering the sea at the SE corner of the lava flow field. On 20 May the largest tilt event to occur at Kilauea in more than 4 years took place. Beginning at 0500 the volcano's summit began to slowly deflate (~2 microradians) until about 1630 when it very abruptly began to inflate (~10 microradians). The inflation peaked at 1735, and deflation began at 1750. The event was accompanied by strong tremor, which ended a prolonged period of small earthquakes that had lasted, with a 9-hour break on the night of 18 May, for several days. At about 1920 a lava pond was observed forming in Pu`u `O`o crater. Observations the next day revealed that the pond had drained, leaving only a few spattering vents. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23-29 May 2001 The tilt event that began on 20 May ended the following day and HVO reported that the precursory deflation, remarkably rapid inflation of 10-11 microradians in one hour, and then the slow relaxation of the summit presumably recorded a pulse of magma supplied to the summit reservoir complex. The pulse was then transferred to the Pu`u `O`o area where it is currently stored. Lava continued to flow into the ocean at the SE corner of the lava flow field. On 23 May surface lava flows were visible. On 26 May tremor occurred at low-to-moderate levels beneath Pu`u `O`o, earthquake swarms occurred beneath Kilauea caldera, and background tremor was low. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 May- 5 June 2001 During the beginning of the week lava flowed down Pulama pali and entered the ocean at two areas. By 3 June there were few surface flows with most of the lava traveling in lava tubes and entering the ocean sporadically. On 3 June a pause in volcanic activity may have begun at about 0900 with slow deflation (~2.6 microradians) occurring at the tiltmeter closest to HVO. The inflation ended around 2400 and on 4 June at 0125 rapid inflation (~2.7 microradians) began, most occurred in about 55 minutes. On 3 June at 1015 slow deflation (0.9 microradians) began at Pu`u `O`o and ended at about 2200. Slow inflation occurred at least until 4 June. Background volcanic tremor at Kilauea`s summit gradually increased on 3 June starting at mid-morning, after the deflation had begun. There was no significant change in the tremor at Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-12 June 2001 A small number of surface lava flows was visible along the W and E lava tube systems. Generally, weak tremor and related long-period earthquakes continued at a relatively steady rate beneath Kilauea's caldera. Tremor remained weak to moderate near Pu`u `O`o. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13-19 June 2001 Small surface pahoehoe lava flows were visible on the W end of the flow field. Lava entered the sea at the E Kupapa`u ocean entry. Generally, weak, steady tremor and related long-period earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. On 18 June for several hours there was a slight increase in long-period earthquakes near the caldera. Tremor remained weak to moderate near Pu`u `O`o and seismicity was at normal levels elsewhere. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20-26 June 2001 Weak glow was visible in the area where lava entered the sea at the E Kupapa`u entry. Small lava flows were active on the coastal flat at the base of the Pulama pali scarp. Generally, weak, steady tremor and related long-period earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Tremor remained weak to moderate near Pu`u `O`o and seismicity was at normal levels elsewhere. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 June- 3 July 2001 Small surface flows of pahoehoe lava were visible on the coastal flat below Pulama pali, clustered near the E edge of the flow field and to the W. Lava poured into the sea at two main sites along the eastern third of the E Kupapa`u bench. On 26 June from about noon until the evening, less than 1 microradian of deflation occurred at the summit, and about 0.5 microradian of deflation occurred at Pu`u `O`o. Generally, weak, steady tremor and related long-period earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Earthquake activity remained slightly above average at the summit. Tremor remained weak to moderate near Pu`u `O`o and seismicity was at normal levels elsewhere. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-10 July 2001 Small surface flows of pahoehoe lava were located in the W and E branches of the lava flow field. Like the previous week, lava poured into the sea at the E Kupapa`u ocean entry. Generally, weak, steady tremor and related long-period earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Tremor remained weak to moderate near Pu`u `O`o and seismicity was at normal levels elsewhere. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11-17 July 2001 At Kilauea small surface lava flows traveled along the E and W branches of the lava flow field active during the last 6 months and moderate amounts of lava entered the sea at the E Kupapa`u entry. Generally, weak, steady tremor and related long-period earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Near Pu`u `O`o, the tremor alternated from weak, to moderate, to strong over periods of several hours. Elsewhere, seismicity was at normal levels. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18-24 July 2001 During the week lava entered the sea at a moderate rate at the E Kupapa`u entry. On 18 July at 1803 a M 3.5 earthquake rattled though the lower east rift zone of Kilauea. Surface flows were vigorous in two areas of the current lava flow field; one in the E branch of the flow field at the base of the Pulama pali scarp, and the other just SE of the shatter ring in the W branch of the flow field. Generally, weak, steady tremor and a few related long-period earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Near Pu`u `O`o, the tremor alternated from weak, to moderate, to strong over periods of several hours. Elsewhere, seismicity was at normal levels. Tiltmeters in the summit area and along the east rift zone indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25-31 July 2001 During the week small-to-moderate levels of lava entered the ocean at the E Kupapa`u entry. During 26-28 July a stream of `a`a lava continuously advanced down the Pulama pali scarp to the coastal flat on the E side of the current lava flow field. Generally, weak, rather steady tremor and a few related long-period earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Near Pu`u `O`o the tremor also became weak and continuous. Elsewhere, seismicity was at normal levels. Tiltmeters across the volcano indicated no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7 August 2001 Moderate amounts of lava continued to flow into the sea at the E Kupapa`u entry. Surface lava flows were occasionally visible to the E and W of the current lava flow field. Pahoehoe lava was visible slowly spreading on the coastal flat seaward of the base of the Pulama pali scarp. Generally, weak, rather steady tremor and a few small earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Near Pu`u `O`o, continuous tremor occurred at weak-to-moderate levels. Elsewhere, seismicity was at normal levels. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8-14 August 2001 Small amounts of lava continued to enter the ocean at the E Kupapa`u entry. Surface lava flows were observed issuing from the eastern tube of the current flow field. One of the lobes of lava reached ~1.1 km short of the coast. Generally, weak, rather steady tremor and a few small earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Near Pu`u `O`o, continuous tremor occurred at weak-to-moderate levels. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15-21 August 2001 Lava continued to enter the sea at the E Kupapa`u entry. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal plain in both the E and W branches of the current flow field. A short, stubby surface flow was visible halfway down the Pulama pali scarp. On 15 August volcanic tremor abruptly increased at Kilauea's summit and at Pu`u `O`o, but it reached only moderate-to-low levels. Generally, weak, rather steady tremor and a few small earthquakes continued beneath Kilauea's caldera. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22-28 August 2001 Lava continued to flow down the Pulama pali, and into the ocean at the E Kupapa`u entry. On 25 August a small amount of sharp, short-lived inflation occurred at Pu`u `O`o cone and an hour later at Kilauea's summit. No change in volcanic or seismic activity accompanied the inflation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 August- 4 September 2001 Lava continued to enter the sea at the E Kupapa`u entry. Surface lava flows were visible on Pulama pali and the coastal flat. By 1 September a surface lava flow that broke out of the ocean-entry tube on the coastal plain during mid-August flowed across a County lava-viewing road. The unpaved section of Highway 130 had been open for less than 2 weeks before the narrow lava flow crossed it. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, The Honolulu Advertiser.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-11 September 2001 Lava continued to flow down the Paluma pali scarp, across the coastal flat, and into the ocean at the E Kupapa`u ocean entry. The lava flow that began to cover a County lava-viewing road on 1 September ceased flowing by 5 September. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12-18 September 2001 Lava continued to flow down the Paluma pali scarp, across the coastal flat, and into the ocean at the E Kupapa`u ocean entry. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. During 12 and 13 September very slight deflation occurred at Kiliauea's summit. During the rest of the week tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. On 17 September at Pu`u `O`o, background tremor was interrupted at intervals of ten's of minutes to an hour or two, by short-lived bursts of relatively vigorous tremor. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-25 September 2001 Lava continued to enter the ocean at the E Kupapa`u ocean entry. Lava flowed down the Pulama pali scarp W and E of the active flow field. The western flow was mainly `a`a. The more vigorous eastern flow had been active for more than two weeks. Surface lava flowed within about 0.6 km of the coastline about 1.8 km W of the E Kupapa`u ocean entry. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate-to-low levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Background tremor at Pu`u `O`o was interrupted at intervals of ten's of minutes to an hour or two, by short-lived bursts of relatively vigorous tremor. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 September- 2 October 2001 Lava flows from the W of the active flow field began to enter the ocean at a new area during the evening of 28-29 September. The ocean entry was located S of the former site of Komoamoa camping area. By 30 September a new lava bench and an adjacent black sand beach had begun to form. Lava continued to flow into the ocean at the E Kupapa`u entry, although the overall size of the entry had diminished. Surface lava flows were visible above and on the Pulama pali scarp. The lava flows W and E of the flow field that had been active for the past couple of weeks had mostly crusted over. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate-to-low levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Background tremor at Pu`u `O`o was interrupted at intervals of ten's of minutes to an hour or two, by short-lived bursts of relatively vigorous tremor. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-9 October 2001 During the week, lava continued to flow into the ocean at the E Kupapa`u ocean entry and at the new Kamoamoa entry and surface lava flows were visible above and on the Pulama pali. The overall size of the E Kupapa`u entry diminished, while activity was divided into two distinct areas at the Kamoamoa entry; one to the E and one to the W. By 8 October lava was only emitted from the W Kamoamoa entry area. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate-to-low levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Background tremor at Pu`u `O`o was interrupted at intervals of ten's of minutes to an hour or two, by short-lived bursts of relatively vigorous tremor. Besides small deflation at Kilauea's summit on 28 September, tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10-16 October 2001 Lava continued to enter the ocean at the E Kupapa`u and Kamoamoa entries. Surface lava flows occurred along the course of the lava tube systems. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Background tremor at Pu`u `O`o was interrupted, at intervals of ten's of minutes to an hour or two, by short-lived bursts of relatively vigorous tremor. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17-23 October 2001 During the week, surface lava flows were visible on Kilauea's Pulama pali scarp and lava continued to enter the ocean at the E Kupapa`u and Kamoamoa entries. On 21 October the lava bench at the Kamoamoa entry extended approximately 80-100 m seaward from the old sea cliff. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Tremor at the summit was relatively low. Tremor at Pu`u `O`o became rather continuous by 21 October and was no longer broken by brief episodes of stronger events. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24-30 October 2001 Surface lava flows were visible above and on Kilauea's Pulama pali scarp and on the coastal flat. Lava continued to flow through lava tubes, entering the sea at the E Kupapa`u and Kamoamoa entries. By 28 October the rapidly growing lava bench at Kamoamoa was 120 m seaward of the old sea cliff in comparison to 80-100 m the previous week. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at both Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. On 24 October short bursts of relatively high amplitude tremor returned to Pu`u `O`o after being nearly absent for 2-3 days. During 23-24 October tiltmeters at the summit and Pu`u `O`o recorded slow deflation. No significant deformation was recorded during the rest of the week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 October- 6 November 2001 During 30 October to 5 November lava continued to flow into the sea at the Kamoamoa and E Kupapa`u entries. On 30 October a new entry located directly off the former Kupapa`u Point was observed. Surface lava flowed above and down Pulama pali along the trace of the Kamoamoa lava tube system. There were possible surface flows at the western portion of the Kamoamoa entry, while surface activity ended at the eastern portion. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Tremor was relatively low at the summit; tiny earthquakes occurred that were strongest during the beginning of the week. Bursts of higher amplitude tremor were interspersed with more continuous tremor at Pu`u `O`o. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-13 November 2001 Lava continued to flow into the sea at the Kamoamoa, Kupapa`u, and E Kupapa`u entries. Surface lava flows were visible along the Kamoamoa lava tube system and just inland from the Kupapa`u entry. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Tremor was relatively low at the summit, but a fairly large number of tiny earthquakes occurred. Bursts of higher-amplitude tremor were interspersed with more continuous tremor at Pu`u `O`o. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14-20 November 2001 Lava continued to flow into the sea at the E Kupapa`u and Kamoamoa lava entries. The Kupapa`u entry appeared to be inactive by 18 November. Lava was mostly confined to the lava tube systems, with patches of incandescent lava visible above Pulama pali. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Tremor at the summit was relatively low. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21-27 November 2001 Lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Kamoamoa and E Kupapa`u entries. HVO personnel confirmed that the Kupapa`u entry was inactive, as was reported the previous week. Surface lava flows were visible near the E Kupapa`u entry and at spots above, on, and below the Pulama pali scarp along the Kamoamoa lava tube system. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at low-to-moderate levels at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. The level of tremor was relatively low at the summit, but the number of small earthquakes remained well above average. Tremor at Pu`u `O`o varied in amplitude. Tiltmeters along the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 November- 4 December 2001 Volcanic activity at Kilauea remained similar to the previous week, with lava flowing into the ocean at the Kamoamoa and E Kupapa`u ocean entries and surface lava flows at spots along the Kamoamoa lava tube system. Generally, seismicity was normal at the volcano; volcanic tremor was at low-to-moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o and low at Kilauea's summit. Tiltmeters along the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-11 December 2001 Lava continued flowing into the ocean at the Kamoamoa and E Kupapa`u ocean entries, and surface lava flows were visible at spots along the Kamoamoa lava tube system. Volcanic tremor was at low-to-moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o and low at Kilauea's summit, with weak long-period earthquakes occurring frequently. On 8 December rapid deflation (~2.4 microradians) occurred at Kilauea's summit, followed shortly thereafter by deflation (~1.9 microradians) at Pu`u `O`o cone. On 9 December abrupt inflation at Kilauea's summit (>6 microradians) was followed by much slower and lesser inflation at Pu`u `O`o. Strong earthquakes and tremor accompanied the inflation. A shallow M 3.4 earthquake was registered in the SE part of the caldera. By 10 December, seismicity had returned to normal levels at the summit, and tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained at a moderate level. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12-18 December 2001 Lava continued to enter the ocean at the Kamoamoa and E Kupapa`u entries and surface lava flows were observed on the coastal flat. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels; volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o was low-to-moderate and small long-period earthquakes were recorded at Kilauea's summit. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-25 December 2001 Lava entered the ocean at two areas along the Kamoamoa entry and surface lava flows were visible along the track of the Kamoamoa lava tube. Generally, volcanic tremor was moderate at Pu`u `O`o and there were many small long-period earthquakes at Kilauea's summit. Brief, barely discernable deflation at the volcano's summit on 25 December was the only deformation recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 December 2001 - 1 January 2002 Lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Kamoamoa ocean entry. Surface lava flowed along the Kamoamoa lava tube system, extending from above the Pulama pali scarp down to the lava fan. Generally, volcanic tremor was moderate at Pu`u `O`o and there were many small long-period earthquakes at Kilauea's summit, as there have been for 2 weeks. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-8 January 2002 During the week lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Kamoamoa ocean entry. Surface lava was visible on the coastal flat and lava that began to flow on the W side of Kamoamoa caused the lava bench to grow. Slow deflation at the summit (up to 2.3 microradians) occurred on 1 December during noon to around 2300. The next day during 1210-1950 the summit inflated 1.6 microradians. The deformation was not accompanied by a change in seismicity. Generally, volcanic tremor was moderate at Pu`u `O`o and the ongoing swarm of small long-period earthquakes continued at Kilauea's summit. After the period of deflation and inflation no significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9-15 January 2002 Lava entered the ocean at multiple locations along the Kamoamoa ocean entry, while the amount of lava entering the ocean at the E Kupapa`u entry was very small. A broad, 1.5- to 2-km-long surface flow was visible on the upper portion of the flow field above the Pulama pali scarp and surface flows that emanated from the Kamoamoa lava tube system were seen on the coastal flat. Generally, volcanic tremor was moderate-to-strong at Pu`u `O`o for several days and the ongoing swarm of small long-period earthquakes continued at Kilauea's summit. Following minor deflation on 11 January, tiltmeters across the volcano showed no significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16-22 January 2002 Lava entered the ocean at multiple locations along the Kamoamoa entry, while the amount of lava entering the ocean at the E Kupapa`u entry was small. Surface lava flows were visible on both the upper portion of the flow field above the Pulama pali scarp and spreading out on the coastal flat. On 18 January at 0118 a 9.1-km-deep M-4.1 earthquake occurred about 4 km SSE of Pu`u `O`o. Generally, volcanic tremor remained moderate-to-strong at Pu`u `O`o for several days and the ongoing swarm of small long-period earthquakes continued at Kilauea's summit. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23-29 January 2002 During 23-29 January lava entered the sea at the W portion of the Kamoamoa entry, and to a lesser extent at the E Kupapa`u entry. Surface lava flows emerging along the Kamoamoa lava tube system traveled down the Pulama pali scarp. On 22 January a lava flow was visible on Pu`u `O`o's crater floor. Generally, volcanic tremor remained moderate at Pu`u `O`o. The swarm of long-period earthquakes at Kilauea's summit were less regular than they had been for more than a month. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 January-5 February 2002 On 3 and 4 February lava flows were visible atop Pulama pali, along the Kamoamoa flow. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o and long-period earthquakes below Kilauea's caldera continued, though at greatly reduced amplitudes compared to the previous week. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-12 February 2002 Surface lava flows along the Kamoamoa lava tube system were visible extending from atop the Pulama pali scarp, down to its base. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o and long-period earthquakes continued below Kilauea's caldera. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13-19 February 2002 During 13-19 February, a small surface lava flow was visible at Kilauea on the Pulama pali scarp. No lava has reached the coastal plain or the ocean since the Kamoamoa and E Kupapa`u entries stopped in late January. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o and long-period earthquakes and weak tremor continued below Kilauea's caldera. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20-26 February 2002 Surface lava flows were visible atop the Pulama pali scarp and at its base. Activity occurred at rootless shields (a pile of lava flows built over a lava tube rather than over a conduit feeding magma) located between 680- and 640-m elevations. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o, and long-period earthquakes and weak tremor continued below Kilauea's caldera. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 February-5 March 2002 Lava flowed down Pulama pali, and slowly advanced across the lava fan and adjacent coastal flat. Generally, volcanic tremor remained moderate at Pu`u `O`o, and long-period earthquakes and weak tremor continued at Kilauea's caldera. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-12 March 2002 During 6-12 March, lava was visible near the base of the lava fan and on the nearby coastal flat at Kilauea. At times several rootless shields (a pile of lava flows built over a lava tube rather than over a conduit feeding magma) were active. Generally, volcanic tremor was at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o and long-period earthquakes and weak tremor continued at Kilauea's caldera. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13-19 March 2002 During 12-19 March, bright glow was visible over Kilauea emanating from Pu`u `O`o crater and the rootless shield near 665-m elevation. The glow was widely visible in the Puna district. The most intense surface activity at the volcano occurred at the rootless shield. At Pu`u `O`o crater, HVO staff saw several incandescent vents mostly in the crater's S wall. By 18 March a lava flow had flooded the floor of Pu`u `O`o crater. During the week, lava flowed through lava tubes down the Pulama pali scarp, surfacing on the coastal flat below. Surface lava flows, which have been active for more than a month, spread on the lower fan and adjacent coastal flat. The fronts of the lava flows were ~2.3 km away from the coast. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o. Long-period earthquakes and weak tremor continued below Kilauea's caldera. Tiltmeters across the volcano showed no evidence of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20-26 March 2002 During 20-25 March, the rootless shields remained active at Kilauea and small surface lava flows were visible at the base of the lava fan and on the adjacent coastal flat. Generally, volcanic tremor remained at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o, and long-period earthquakes and weak tremor continued below Kilauea's caldera. During 21-24 March a small amount of inflation was recorded at Pu`u `O`o, but during most of the report period no deformation was recorded at the volcano. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 March-2 April 2002 During 27 March-2 April at Kilauea, activity continued at the rootless shields and surface lava flows were visible low on the Pulama pali scarp. On 27 March, just after 0300, a small earthquake beneath the caldera triggered more than 30 minutes of increased tremor and small earthquakes. Sharp deflation at Pu`u `O`o on 28 March accompanied a change in eruptive activity at the cone. Observations from a helicopter overflight revealed that new lava was visible just W of the main crater, as well as fountaining, and a circulating pond. By 31 March a lava flow was visible on the floor of Pu`u `O`o's crater and several vents were incandescent. On the 31st volcanic tremor was at low-to-moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o and weak tremor continued below Kilauea's caldera that was occasionally broken by small, long-period earthquakes. Tilt across the volcano was flat or only changed slightly. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-9 April 2002 During 4-6 April, a remarkable series of deflation and inflation events occurred at Kilauea. Beginning on 4 April around 2100, Kilauea's summit deflated and 30 minutes later Pu`u `O`o followed. The summit deflated ~1.7 microradians and Pu`u` O`o dropped ~9 microradians. On 5 April rapid inflation began at 1600 at the summit and 12-13 minutes later at Pu`u` O`o. Inflation ended at the summit at 1700, when the summit abruptly deflated, and at Pu`u` O`o at 1800. Then, tilt at Pu`u` O`o oscillated three times between rapid deflation and slower inflation. After the tilt temporarily settled down, on 6 April at 0508 another oscillatory period commenced. Following 4.5 oscillations, tilt resumed slow, bumpy inflation after 1200 that same day. During the period of deflation and inflation, long-period earthquakes increased at the summit, while tremor remained steady at Pu`u` O`o until it slightly increased on 6 April. Small surface lava flows were seen on the lower portion of Pulama pali and the upper part of the lava fan. During a brief trip to Pu`u` O`o on the morning of the 6th, scientists saw that the crater lake had risen ~8 m since 29 March (the lake surface was 17 m below the E rim), several cones were active, and lava was flowing into the lava lake from two vents. By the 7th activity had calmed down; tilt was relatively steady, volcanic tremor at Pu`u` O`o was at moderate levels, and tremor at the summit was at low-to-moderate levels. On the 8th there was activity at the rootless shields. Incandescence was not visible at Pu`u` O`o, which possibly means that lava lake activity was waning or had ended. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10-16 April 2002 During 10-15 April, observers saw small surface lava flows descending along the path of the lava-tube system that drains the rootless shield area. These flows were sometimes visible above and on the Pulama pali scarp. Activity occurred at the rootless shields, and lava was visible in parts of Pu`u `O`o crater. Generally, seismicity and tilt were at normal levels. Tremor at Pu`u `O`o was low-to-moderate and low-level tremor and a few small earthquakes occurred at Kilauea's caldera. Pu`u `O`o slowly inflated following relatively slow deflation during 13-14 April; otherwise, there were no signs of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17-23 April 2002 During 18-22 April, surface activity was visible at a minimum of two vent areas of Pu`u` O`o's crater and at the rootless shields. No surface lava flows were visible on Pulama pali. Generally, tremor at Pu`u` O`o was low and only a few small earthquakes and low-level tremor occurred at Kilauea's caldera. During the report period, slow, small deflations occurred at Pu`u` O`o and the caldera. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24-30 April 2002 On 23 April inflation occurred at Pu`u `O`o , with no change in seismicity at Kilauea. Observations on the 24th revealed that the January 2002 cone continued to emit lava onto the Pu`u `O`o crater floor. During 24-29 April, no surface lava was visible on Pulama pali. Fairly rapid deflation occurred on the 28th. During the report period, tremor at Pu`u `O`o was at low levels, and only a few small earthquakes and low-level tremor occurred at Kilauea's caldera. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7 May 2002 During 1-7 May at Kilauea, activity occurred at the rootless shields and surface lava flows were visible low on the Pulama pali scarp. None of the pits and craters at the foot of Pu`u `O`o were active, although incandescence was visible in some areas. By 7 May lava had poured over the Pulama pali scarp and flowed slowly eastward along the base of the pali. Generally, tremor at Pu`u `O`o was low and steady. Low-level tremor occurred at the caldera as well as a number of small earthquakes. There were no signs of significant deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8-14 May 2002 An extremely large deflation episode began at Kilauea's Pu`u `O`o cone on 12 May at about 0720. By 1500 Pu`u `O`o had deflated about 16.5 microradians. Following the onset of deflation at Pu`u `O`o, there was slight deflation at Kilauea's caldera. No new eruptive activity was visible in Pu`u `O`o 's crater. Within a couple of hundred meters of the SW base of Pu`u `O`o, two large ~3-m-wide lava flows were visible that apparently broke out of the upper lava-tube system. By 13 May Pu`u `O`o had deflated 18 microradians, tremor at Pu`u `O`o was higher than preceding the deflation and was accompanied by small earthquakes, background tremor and long-period earthquakes increased at the summit, and no significant deformation was recorded at the volcano. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15-21 May 2002 Surface lava flows were visible at Kilauea during 15-17 May. The front of one flow was about 2.5 km from the ocean. Following the 12 May inflation event, the level of volcanic tremor and long-period earthquakes at Kilauea's summit was moderate, as was the level of tremor at Pu`u `O`o. No significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22-28 May 2002 During 23-24 May, surface lava flows were visible on Kilauea's coastal flat. For several preceding days an intense swarm of small, shallow, long-period earthquakes occurred beneath Kilauea's caldera, at a rate of about one earthquake every 30 seconds. The swarm abruptly ended on 22 May. By the 24th seismicity at Kilauea was at normal background levels. In addition, tiltmeters recorded no unusual deformation, with Pu`u `O`o slowly inflating. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 May-4 June 2002 Three main surface lava flows were visible at Kilauea during 29 May-2 June. The front of one flow was ~1.8 km from the coast. As of 2 June fires continued to burn that were ignited by a lava flow that began on 12 May. On 29 May the front of the fire was 800 m from Chain of Craters road, which was closed on 1 June after 1,530 acres burned overnight. By 1 June at 0700, when the fire was 15 days old, a total of 2,588 acres had burned downwind of the lava flow. Generally, seismicity across the volcano was at background levels. Volcanic tremor at Kilauea's summit was low, broken occasionally by short-lived long-period earthquakes. Pu`u `O`o had weak-to-moderate tremor. There were no signs of significant deformation at the volcano. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-11 June 2002 Surface lava flows were visible above, traveling down, and below the Pulama pali scarp. One flow was 1.7 km from the end of the Chain of Craters Road and 1.5 km from the nearest point along the coastline. Swarms of long-period earthquakes occurred in Kilauea's caldera during 5-10 June and moderate tremor occurred at Pu`u `O`o. Slow, uneven deflation started at Pu`u `O`o on 2 June, then inflation began during the evening of 5 June. The fires ignited by a lava flow that began on 12 May had been 65% contained by 10 June and Chain of Craters road was open to the public during the evening. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12-18 June 2002 During 12-17 June, several surface lava flows were visible at Kilauea. Generally, seismicity was at background levels, except at the crater where a swarm of long-period earthquakes occurred since 5 June. Moderate tremor occurred at Pu`u `O`o. After about 2 microradians of deflation at Pu`u `O`o during 11-12 June, no significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-25 June 2002 Incandescent surface lava flows were sometimes visible at Kilauea during 19-24 June. Generally, seismicity was at background levels, except at Kilauea's crater where a swarm of long-period earthquakes that began on 5 June continued. In addition, moderate tremor occurred at Pu`u `O`o. Tiltmeters showed no unusual deformation, with overall deflation occurring at Pu`u `O`o and Kilauea's summit during the week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 June-2 July 2002 During 25-30 June, surface lava flows were visible on Kilauea's SW flank. Mild deflation, totaling 0.9 microradians, occurred at Pu`u `O`o on 26 June around 2130. No other significant deformation was recorded during the report period. Seismicity was at normal levels, except for the continued swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor that has been occurring below Kilauea's caldera since early June. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-9 July 2002 During 3-9 July, surface lava flows were sometimes visible on Kilauea. Seismicity was at normal levels, except for the continued swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor that has been occurring since early June. Slow deflation was recorded at Pu`u `O`o from 4 July until 6 July when inflation began. Slow inflation continued until at least 9 July. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10-16 July 2002 During 10-15 July, surface lava flows were visible travelling down the Pulama pali scarp and Paliuli, the steep slope and cliff below Pulama pali and just above the coastal flat. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels, except for the continued swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor that has been taking place since early June. The only significant deformation was recorded on the 9th when deflation began at Pu`u `O`o. It ended by the 13th. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17-23 July 2002 During 16-22 July, surface lava flows were visible traveling on the coastal flat, down the Pulama pali scarp, and down Paliuli, the steep slope and cliff below Pulama pali and just above the coastal flat. On 20 July at 1900 part of the westernmost lava flow reached Chain of Craters road, and by 0445 the next day it was entering the sea in two areas. The active flow front moved relatively quickly for lava at Kilauea on nearly flat ground; the lava flow moved 610 m in 18 hours (35 m/h). Generally, seismicity was at normal levels, except for the continued swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor that has been ongoing since early June. The swarm increased slightly in the last several days of the report period. Slow deflation occurred at Pu`u` O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24-30 July 2002 Hundreds of spectators flocked to Kilauea to see the spectacular show of lava flowing into the sea at the end of easily accessible Chain of Craters Road. Surface lava flows were visible traveling down Pulama pali, Paliuli, and on the coastal flat. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels, except for the continued swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor that has been ongoing since early June. The swarm increased slightly in the last several days of the report period. Brief inflation occurred at Pu`u` O`o on 26 July. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Associated Press -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 July-6 August 2002 By 6 August, only the the Wilipe`a entry was active at Kilauea, with five or six spigots sending lava off the leading edge of the bench into the water. The West Highcastle bench was steaming but had no lava. At the Highcastle kipuka, two actively advancing lobes of lava were found, one 160 m and the other 170 m from the western and eastern remnants, respectively, of the Chain of Craters Road, themselves only 40-60 m from water. Each lobe was moving very slowly. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-13 August 2002 During 7-13 August, surface lava flows continued to travel down Kilauea's flank into the sea at the Wilipe`a entry and on 7 August at 1427 the W Highcastle lobe reached the sea. On the evening of the 7th several littoral explosions occurred on the E side of the most seaward tip of the lava bench, spraying spatter and solid rocks back onto the bench. No visitors were in the prohibited area. A lava bench began to grow near the W Highcastle flow 10 m from the shoreline and was 30 m long parallel to the sea cliff by 11 August. Surface lava flows also cascaded down Paliuli at times. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels, except for the continued swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor that has been taking place since early June. There were no signs of significant deformation at the volcano. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14-20 August 2002 During 14-19 August, lava flows from Kilauea sporadically entered the sea, traveling to the coast through lava tubes and also on the land surface. On the morning of the 18th several people saw part of a lava bench collapse into the sea. For most of the report period seismicity was at normal levels, with a decrease in the amount of long-period earthquakes and tremor that had been occurring since early June. On the morning of the 18th the amount of long-period seismicity increased. No significant deformation was recorded at the volcano. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21-27 August 2002 During 21-26 August, surface lava flows continued to travel on Kilauea's coastal flat, and down Paliuli, and Pulama pali. On the 21st lava entered the sea near the Highcastle stairs (the more easterly ocean entry), but by the 25th no lava was entering the sea. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels with the swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor fluctuating but typically remaining at high levels. Deformation was nearly flat, or continued long-term trends. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 August-3 September 2002 During 27 August to 2 September, lava flowed down Paliuli and Pulama pali, and many surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat. Seismicity was generally at normal levels, with the swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor that has been occurring since early June fluctuating. There were small episodes of inflation and deflation at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o for several days. By 2 September Pu`u `O`o was slowly deflating. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-10 September 2002 During 3-9 September, lava continued to flow SE down Paliuli and Pulama pali, and many surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat. Lava began to enter the ocean on 3 September. Seismicity was generally at normal levels. The swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor that had been occurring since early June returned to moderate-to-low levels. There were small episodes of inflation and deflation at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o for several days. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11-17 September 2002 During 11-16 September, lava continued to travel SE down Paliuli and Pulama pali, and many surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat. Lava flowed onto the Wilipe`a bench directly seaward of the end of the Chain of Craters Road. Lava entered the sea at several points on the NE portion of the front of the bench. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. There were short periods of inflation and deflation at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18-24 September 2002 During 17-22 September, at Kilauea lava continued to travel SE down Paliuli and Pulama pali, and surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat. Lava also continued to flow into the sea. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. For several days before the 18th, there was a period of repetitive inflation and deflation. After the 18th no significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 September-1 October 2002 During 25-30 September at Kilauea, lava continued to travel SE down Paliuli and Pulama pali, and surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat. Lava entered the sea at multiple points along the fronts of two lava deltas and visitors saw several sudden collapses of the front of the bench (land built out from the sea cliff). Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. The swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera that originally began in June was fairly weak. Periods of small deflation and inflation occurred at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeters, but no significant deformation was recorded elsewhere. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-8 October 2002 During 1-6 October at Kilauea, lava entered the sea at several points along two active lava deltas (Middle Highcastle and Wilipe`a). No surface flows were visible on the deltas; lava either entered the water via lava tubes or inflated the delta underneath the surface. Several surface flows were visible on the coastal flat, while no incandescence was seen on Paliuli and only a few glowing spots were visible on Pulama pali. On the 3rd, the swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera that was first active beginning in June, picked up strongly, with numerous long-period events persisting for about a day. Elsewhere there was no unusual seismicity. Around the time of increased seismicity, small periods of inflation and deflation occurred at Pu`u `O`o and Uwekahuna. Otherwise, tiltmeters recorded no unusual deformation. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9-15 October 2002 During 9-14 October at Kilauea, lava continued to flow into the sea at points along two active lava deltas. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat, and sporadically on Pulama pali and Paliuli. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels at Kilauea. A few small swarms of long-period earthquakes and tremor occurred beneath the volcano's caldera. Regular deflation occurred at the Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter, while no significant deformation was recorded elsewhere. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16-22 October 2002 During 16-21 October at Kilauea, lava continued to flow into the sea at points along two active lava deltas. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat, Pulama pali, and Paliuli. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels beneath Kilauea's caldera. A swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath the caldera occasionally occurred. In addition, numerous small bursts of tremor were interspersed with tiny earthquakes. Periods of deflation and inflation occurred at Pu`u `O`o and Uwekahuna. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23-29 October 2002 During 23-29 October at Kilauea, lava continued to enter the sea from two deltas as it has for several weeks. Surface lava flows were not visible on the coastal flat or Paliuli, and were occasionally seen near Pulama pali. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels beneath Kilauea's caldera. A swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath the caldera occasionally occurred. A small deflation event began on the 28th that was recorded at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeters. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 October-5 November 2002 During 30 October to 4 November at Kilauea lava continued to enter the sea from two deltas, as it has for several weeks. Surface lava flows were visible extending from the top of Paliuli to the top of Pulama pali, but were not seen on the coastal flat. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels beneath Kilauea's caldera. Some small bursts of tremor occurred that were interspersed with tiny earthquakes. Inflation and deflation were recorded at times at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeters. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-12 November 2002 During 6-11 November at Kilauea, lava continued to flow into the sea at moderate rates from two lava deltas, as it has for several weeks. Spots of incandescence were visible on Paliuli, on the gentle slope below Pulama pali, and above Pulama pali. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat at times. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. The swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera, occasionally active since June, was rather weak. Short bursts of tremor were interspersed with small earthquakes. Small deflation may have occurred at the Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeters on the 10th, otherwise no significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13-19 November 2002 During 13-18 November at Kilauea two lava deltas were active, with lava entering the ocean at times. Only a small amount of incandescence was visible above Paliuli. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. The swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera, occasionally active since June, continued to show short bursts of tremor interspersed with numerous small earthquakes. Besides gentle deflation at Pu`u `O`o, no other significant deformation occurred. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20-26 November 2002 During 21-24 November at Kilauea, lava continued to enter the sea at several points along two lava deltas (West Highcastle and Wilipe`a), although to a lesser extent than the previous week. Small-to-moderate littoral explosions were common at the entry point near the tip of the West Highcastle delta. Surface flows were visible extending from Paliuli to the coast. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. Swarms of long-period earthquakes and tremor have been detected since June beneath Kilauea's caldera. During the report week, numerous short bursts of tremor were interspersed with numerous small earthquakes. Besides gentle deflation at Pu`u `O`o, no other significant deformation occurred. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 November-3 December 2002 During 26 November-2 December at Kilauea, lava continued to flow into the ocean at low-to-moderate levels at the West Highcastle and Wilipe`a entries. West Highcastle was the more active of the two lava deltas, with sporadic explosions coming from one of its entry points. Several surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. A swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera, occasionally active since June, continued to show short bursts of tremor interspersed with numerous small earthquakes. During the report week, small inflation and deflation events occurred at Pu`u `O`o and Uwekahuna tilt meters. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-10 December 2002 During 4-10 December, lava continued to flow into the sea at entry points from two lava deltas. Moderate-to-large littoral explosions tossed spatter onto the front of the West Highcastle delta. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. The swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera, occasionally seismically active since June, continued to show some short bursts of tremor interspersed with small earthquakes. Small inflation and deflation events occurred at Pu`u` O`o and Uwekahuna tilt meters. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11-17 December 2002 During 10-17 December, lava continued to enter the sea at several points along the coast. On 15 December, shortly after 0700, the Wilipe'a lava delta partially collapsed, losing about 1/3 of its area. The tip of the delta retreated shoreward about 260 m and most of the collapse was in the central part of the delta. Around the 15th and 16th a substantial collapse occurred at the West Highcastle delta. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. The swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera, occasionally seismically active since June, continued at a relatively low level. The Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter showed deflation for about one week until the 17th. No other significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18-23 December 2002 During 18-22 December, lava continued to enter the sea at several points along the coast at three lava deltas. Surface lava flows were visible along the E arm that feeds a new lava delta, and sporadically along Paliuli. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels. The swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera, occasionally seismically active since June, continued at a relatively low level. No significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24-30 December 2002 During 26-29 December at Kilauea, lava continued to enter the sea at several points along the coast at three lava deltas. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat, and upslope at Paliuli, and on the Pulama pali. On 28 December moderate collapses occurred at the Wilipe`a lava delta, apparently in the area of the 15 December collapse. None came anywhere close to the rope barrier, and no explosion debris reached this area. Generally, seismicity continued at background levels at Kilauea. The long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continued at moderate levels. During 27-28 December, slight deflation occurred at the Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeters. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 December 2002- 7 January 2003 During 31 December to 5 January, lava continued to enter the sea at several entry points along three deltas, though by the end of the report week only two were active. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat and upslope on Pulama pali. Generally, seismicity continued at background levels at Kilauea. The long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continued at low levels. No significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8-14 January 2003 During 8-13 January at Kilauea, lava continued to flow into the sea at the West Highcastle entry. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat and upslope of it on Paliuli. Generally, seismicity was at background levels at Kilauea. The long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continued at low-to-moderate levels. No significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15-21 January 2003 During 15-20 January at Kilauea, lava continued to flow into the sea at the West Highcastle entry. Most of the surface lava flows on the coastal flat crusted over, so that less incadescence was visible than the previous week. At Kilauea seismicity generally remained at background levels. The long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continued at moderate levels. Volcanic tremor was relatively strong at Pu`u `O`o during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22-28 January 2003 During 20-27 January, lava continued to enter the ocean at the West Highcastle entry. Kilauea's summit began to deflate on 20 January at 1710, and Pu`u `O`o began to deflate a few tens of minutes later. Both areas deflated well into the next day. On the 21st at 1610 rapid, brief inflation began at the summit. The inflation and preceding deflation were centered near the NE corner of Halemaumau Crater, the normal center of small deformation events. Seismicity increased with the deformation events, returning to normal levels afterwards. Relatively large surface lava flows were visible starting on 21 January around 2035. By 22 January seismicity had returned to its normal level, with the long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continuing at weak-to-moderate levels. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 January- 4 February 2003 During 29 January to 3 February at Kilauea, lava continued to enter the sea at the West Highcastle entry. Around 28 January a large lava breakout occurred from the West Highcastle lava tube about 170 m inland from the old sea cliff. As of 2 February the area of the new breakout was about 6.15 hectares. During the report period, seismicity was at background levels at Kilauea. The long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continued at low-to-moderate levels. No significant deformation was recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-11 February 2003 During 5-11 February at Kilauea, lava continued to enter the sea at the West Highcastle entry and surface lava flows traveled down the Pulama pali fault scarp. The Chain of Craters road, which provides access to a lava-viewing area, was closed due to a wildfire that was started by lava flows. Generally, the long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continued at low levels. On 9 and 10 February short, small, periods of deflation and inflation occurred at the Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeters. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Associated Press -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12-18 February 2003 During 12-19 February at Kilauea, lava continued to flow into the sea at the West Highcastle entry. Lava flowed through lava tubes down Pulama pali and Paliuli as it traveled to the sea. Surface lava flows continued to travel through vegetation, igniting fires and causing methane explosions. Rangers' office huts, restrooms, and signs were moved out of the path of the lava flow, which reached the Chain of Craters Road on 19 February at 1005. Generally, seismicity remained at normal levels, with the long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continuing at low-to-moderate levels. Small periods of inflation and deformation, which were consistent in magnitude and patterns, were recorded at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeters during the report period. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Honolulu Advertiser -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-25 February 2003 During 20-24 February at Kilauea, a small amount of lava entered the sea at the West Highcastle entry, and W of there lava flowed into the sea at the Kohala entry (an event that began on 15 February). Fresh lava oozed out of the cooling Kohala lava flow, both within the body of the flow and along its E margin. During the report period, lava continued to cross the Chain of Craters Road. Generally, seismicity remained at normal levels, with the long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continuing at low-to-moderate levels. Moderate tremor was recorded by the nearest seismometer to Pu`u `O`o. During 17-21 February, several small periods of inflation and deflation, which were consistent with each other in magnitude and patterns, were recorded at Uwekahuna and Pu`u `O`o tiltmeters. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 February- 4 March 2003 During 26 February to 3 March at Kilauea, lava continued to enter the sea at the West Highcastle entry and the lava-flow rate was reduced to a small trickle at the Kohala entry. Small surface lava flows occurred along the W edge of the Kohala lava flow and surface lava flows were visible above the Pulama pali fault scarp. Generally, seismicity remained at normal levels, with the long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continuing at low-to-moderate levels. Moderate tremor was recorded by the nearest seismometer to Pu`u `O`o. Small inflations and deflations occurred at the volcano around 1 March, but no significant deformation was recorded afterwards. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-11 March 2003 During 4-9 March at Kilauea, lava entered the sea at moderate rates at the West Highcastle entry. Small surface lava flows were scattered across the Kohala lava flow, and surface lava flows were visible above Pulama pali. By 5 March the Kohala lava flow was traveling very slowly towards the sea, to about 30 m away from the sea cliff. Generally, seismicity remained at normal levels, with the long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continuing at low-to-moderate levels. Moderate tremor was recorded by the nearest seismometer to Pu`u `O`o until the seismometer broke on 5 March. Moderate deflation occurred on 8 March first at the Uwekahuna tiltmeter and then at the Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter. According to a news report, a member of a tour group suffered burns on 10 March when he fell on hot lava while hiking near Chain of Craters road. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Honolulu Advertiser -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12-18 March 2003 During 11-18 March at Kilauea, lava flowed into the sea at moderate levels at the West Highcastle entry. Many surface lava flows were visible along the Kohala lava flow. Tongues of lava were visible traveling down Pulama pali that were a part of the activity that began on 12 May 2002 (named the Mother's Day flow). Generally, seismicity remained at normal levels, with the long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continuing at moderate levels. Only small deformation changes were recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-25 March 2003 During 20-25 March at Kilauea, lava continued to enter the sea at the West Highcastle entry at moderate levels. Surface lava flows were visible along the Kohala lava flow and on Pulama pali. Generally, seismicity remained at normal levels, with the long-lasting swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor at Kilauea's summit, which began last June, continuing at moderate levels. Small episodes of inflation and deflation occurred at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 March-1 April 2003 During 26-30 March at Kilauea, moderate amounts of lava continued to enter the sea at the West Highcastle entry. Surface lava flows were visible along the Kohala lava flow and on Pulama pali. Generally, seismicity was at normal to below-normal levels. The summit swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor, which began last June, was weak, with scattered earthquakes and sparse low-frequency tremor. Small episodes of inflation and deflation occurred at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-8 April 2003 Lava continued to enter the ocean at the West Highcastle entry at Kilauea during 1-8 April. Surface lava flows were visible on the Kohala lava flow and Pulama pali. During the beginning of the report period, lava traveled over the Chain of Craters Road. The lava cooled and ceased flowing over the road by the 3rd. Generally, seismicity remained at normal to below-normal levels. The summit swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor, which began last June, was weak, with scattered earthquakes and sparse low-frequency tremor. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o was relatively high during the last few days of the report period. Small deformation changes occurred mostly at Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9-15 April 2003 Lava continued to enter the ocean at the West Highcastle entry at Kilauea during 10-14 April. Surface lava flows were visible on the Kohala flow and the easternmost stream of the Mother's Day flow. Generally, seismicity remained at normal levels, with a swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor continuing to occur. Volcanic tremor was recorded at Pu`u `O`o for more than a week and there were small deformation events at Kilauea's summit and at Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16-22 April 2003 During the week ending 22 April, Kilauea continued to erupt, sending lava down its SE flank either traveling over the land surface or through tubes. Lava entered the sea at the West Highcastle entry; activity there was sometimes weak, though one or more glowing areas were typically seen. On 16 April a large tract of land not over-run by surrounding lava (a kipuka or ahu in the local parlance) remained within the Kohola lava flow, still ~30 cm above the top of inflated lavas that surround it. On the eastern margin of the swath of lava flows going down the steep slopes of Pulama pali, one partly crusted-over lava stream was highly visible. The crater of Pu`u `O`o was dark and obscured by fume. The previous day ended with a small inflation-deflation event recorded at both Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. These tilt changes began at Uwekahuna. During 16-17 April, the Uwekahuna tiltmeter at Kilauea's summit recorded three small inflations, the last apparently right at its crest. Pu`u `O`o has generally followed suit, though in this case showing only two of the inflations very well. These tilts are not major but continue to illustrate the clear connection between Kilauea's summit, where most tilt events start, and Pu`u `O`o, 20 km away, where the tilt events follow a few minutes later. Seismicity during the week was at low to normal levels. Instruments continued to register the summit swarm of long-period earthquakes and tremor, which began last June. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained elevated, as has been the norm for more than a week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23-29 April 2003 For the week ending 29 April eruptive activity continued unabated from the Pu`u `O`o vent of Kilauea. The flows on Pulama pali were frequently visible at night as streams of incandescence from the top of the pali down to the coastal flats. Late in the previous week and early in this week, the east arm of the Mother's Day flow split in two with the western segment being more active. A new ocean entry near Lae`apuki only lasted a day before the flow stagnated. Scattered surface breakouts were seen throughout the inflating Kohola flow, especially on its W side. The National Park Service has marked trails out to the closest activity. As of 24 April, lava entered the ocean at two point along the West Highcastle delta. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 April-6 May 2003 Lava flows continued to descend the S flanks and pour into the sea. Distances measured across Kilauea caldera between two points ~10 km apart, remained stable as they have since early 2003. There had been consistent progressive lengthening of this distance during late 2001 through mid-2002, and some minor fluctuations after that. In general, tilt during late April through 2 May changed little at Uwekahuna station (W side of the caldera), and showed a progressive decline at Pu`u `O`o station (E of the caldera). In the first few days of May slight inflationary tilt appeared at both stations. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-13 May 2003 Lava continued to flow down Kilauea's S flank, with small surface flows visible. On 12 May lava began to enter the sea again at the West Highcastle lava delta. Generally, seismicity was at normal to below normal levels, with very few earthquakes. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained at moderate-to-high levels. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14-20 May 2003 During 14-19 May, lava flows continued to travel down Kilauea's S flank. Surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat and the Pulama Pali fault scarp. Lava trickled into the sea at the West Highcastle entry on the 14th and then ceased thereafter. Generally, seismicity was at normal to below normal levels, with a few earthquakes and no tremor at Kilauea's summit. There were several small periods of inflation and deflation at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21-27 May 2003 During 21-26 May, surface lava flows were visible on Kilauea's coastal flat and the Pulama Pali fault scarp. Small amounts of lava began to flow into the sea on 21 May. Generally, seismicity was at normal levels, with little or no volcanic tremor occurring at Kilauea's summit. A swarm of small, low-frequency earthquakes occurred during 23 May until at least 26 May. The swarm occurred at shallow depths below the caldera floor and was the second such swarm in a 10-day period. No significant deformation occurred during the report period. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 May-3 June 2003 During 27 May to 2 June, lava continued to flow down Kilauea's SE flank, with surface lava flows occasionally visible on the coastal flat and upslope at Pulama pali, and Paliuli. Small amounts of lava continued to flow into the sea at Highcastle beach. A fire started by lava flows the previous week continued to burn W of the flow field. Seismicity at Kilauea's summit was at moderate-to-high levels around 1 June, with many small, low-frequency earthquakes occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were small episodes of inflation and deflation during the report period. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-10 June 2003 Small amounts of lava continued to flow into the sea at the Highcastle entry during 4-10 June, and lava flows were sometimes visible on Pulama pali and the coastal flat. Seismicity at the summit of Kilauea continued at moderate-to-high levels, with many small, low-frequency earthquakes occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera for more than a week. The tiny earthquakes occurred at the notably high rate of 2-4 per minute. Little or no volcanic tremor accompanied the swarm, however. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained moderate to high, as is the norm. Almost cyclic inflation and deflation occurred during the report week, but did not culminate in significant overall tilt. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11-17 June 2003 At Kilauea lava continued to enter the sea mainly at the Highcastle ocean entry during 11-17 June and surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat and Pulama pali. Seismicity at the summit was at moderate-to-high levels, with many small, low-frequency earthquakes occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera for the past two weeks. Little or no volcanic tremor accompanied the swarm, however. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained at moderate-to-high levels, as is the norm. A quasi-cyclic tilt pattern ended at Kilauea's summit and Pu`u `O`o on the 13th after lasting about a week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 -28 June 2003 During 18-24 June at Kilauea, lava continued to weakly enter the sea at the Highcastle entry and surface lava flows were occasionally visible on the coastal flat and upslope on the Pulama pali fault scarp. Seismicity continued at moderate levels at Kilauea's summit, with many, small, low-frequency earthquakes continuing to occur at shallow depths at a rate of about 1-2 per minute. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained at moderate-to-high levels, as is the norm. Small periods of inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 June- 1 July 2003 During 25-30 June at Kilauea, surface lava flows were occasionally visible on the coastal flat and upslope on the Pulama pali fault scarp, but diminished by 29 June. Seismicity continued at moderate levels at Kilauea's summit, with many small low-frequency earthquakes continuing at shallow depths at a rate of about 1-2 per minute. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained at moderate-to-high levels, as is the norm. Small periods of inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-8 July 2003 During 2-8 July at Kilauea, surface lava flows were occasionally visible on the coastal flat and upslope on the Pulama pali fault scarp. Small amounts of lava continued to flow into the ocean at the Highcastle ocean entry. Seismicity continued at moderate levels at Kilauea's summit, with small low-frequency earthquakes persisting at shallow depths at a rate of about 1-2 per minute. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained at moderate-to-high levels, as is the norm recently. Small periods of inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9-15 July 2003 During 12-15 July at Kilauea, surface lava flows were occasionally visible on the coastal flat and upslope on the Pulama pali fault scarp and Paliuli. Seismicity continued at moderate levels at Kilauea's summit, with small low-frequency earthquakes persisting at shallow depths at a rate of about 1-2 per minute. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained at moderate-to-high levels, as is the norm recently. Small periods of inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16-22 July 2003 During 16-22 July at Kilauea, surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat and upslope on the Pulama pali and Paliuli. No lava flowed into the sea. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger events at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23-29 July 2003 During 23-28 July at Kilauea, surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat and upslope on the Pulama pali. No lava flowed into the sea. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger events at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 July- 5 August 2003 During 30 July- 5 August at Kilauea, surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat and upslope on the Pulama pali and beginning around 3 August at the Holei pali. Surface lava flowed to within 1.1 km of the sea. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger events at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-12 August 2003 Surface lava flows were visible on Kilauea's coastal flat and at several areas upslope during 6-12 August. Deflation that began on 8 August amounted to about 1.8 microradians at Uwekahuna tiltmeter and 4 microradians at Pu`u `O`o tiltmeter, both located at the volcano's summit. The deflation was accompanied by a drop in the level of lava in a lava tube, as seen by field workers at midday. Then, inflation began later that day at 1928, and in ~3.5 hours there was ~3.5 microradians of inflation at Uwekahuna and ~6 microradians at Pu`u `O`o. A lava breakout occurred on 9 August between 0200 and 0300, about 1.3 km SE of the center of Pu`u `O`o cone. A very large sheet flow emerged from a point on the uptube side of a rootless shield that was formed on 21 January. Observers saw a lava stream, up to 40 m wide. By 0600 the area of the flow was about 5.2 hectacres (0.052 square km). During the report week, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with many small, low-frequency earthquakes continuing at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera every 1-2 minutes. During the deflation on 8 August, there was an increase in such earthquakes and changes in their frequency content. Some larger events occurred at depths of a few kilometers, as had been the case during the previous several weeks Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13-19 August 2003 During 13-18 August at Kilauea, surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat, in some areas flowing to within 500 m of the sea. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger events at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20-26 August 2003 During 20-25 August at Kilauea, surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat and upslope on the Holei Pali. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger events at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation occurred several times during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 August- 2 September 2003 A M 5.0 earthquake occurred 10 km beneath Kilauea's central S flank on 26 August at 2024. It was the largest earthquake since 2 April 2000, an event that occurred in almost exactly the same spot. No significant damage was done, no cracks or rockfalls were seen, and there was no change in the eruption. During 27 August to 1 September, surface lava flows were sometimes visible on the coastal flat and upslope on Pulama pali. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger events at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Sources: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Associated Press -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-9 September 2003 During 4-9 September, surface lava flows were sometimes visible on the coastal flat and in areas upslope. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger events at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation occurred during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10-16 September 2003 During 10-16 September, surface lava flows were sometimes visible on Kilauea's coastal flat and upslope areas. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger earthquakes at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation events occurred during the week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17-23 September 2003 During 17-23 September, surface lava flows were sometimes visible on Kilauea's coastal flat and upslope areas. Surface lava flows were about 800 m inland of the coast on 21 September. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger earthquakes at depths of a few kilometers. Small inflation and deflation events occurred during the week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24-30 September 2003 During 24-30 September, surface lava flows were sometimes visible on Kilauea's coastal flat and upslope areas. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger earthquakes at depths of a few kilometers. There was very little deformation during the report week until small events occurred on 27 September. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7 October 2003 During 1-7 October, surface lava flows were sometimes visible on Kilauea's coastal flat and upslope areas. On 2 October lava began to flow westward after filling West Gap Pit on the W flank of Pu`u `O`o cone. Fairly vigorous spattering was visible in the pit, but died to only sporadic bursts later in the day. The flow appeared to have stopped by 4 October when no glow was observed coming from the pit. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger earthquakes at depths of a few kilometers. Also, there were small inflation and deflation events during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8-14 October 2003 During 8-14 October, a few areas of surface lava were visible upslope of Kilauea's coastal flat. Generally, seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with 1-2 small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger earthquakes at depths of a few kilometers. Also, there were small inflation and deflation events during the report week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15-21 October 2003 During 15-20 October, a few areas of surface lava were visible upslope of Kilauea's coastal flat. Seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with one to two small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger earthquakes at depths of a few kilometers. Also, during the report week small amounts of inflation and deflation occurred. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 October- 4 November 2003 During 29 October to 3 November, areas of surface lava were visible upslope of Kilauea's coastal flat. Seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with one to two small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger earthquakes at depths of a few kilometers. Also, during the report week small amounts of inflation and deflation occurred. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5-11 November 2003 Tiltmeters located on the NW side of Kileauea’s caldera rim (Uwekahuna) and on the NW flank of the active vent along the East rift zone (Pu`u `O`o cone) showed several microradians of radial tilt, but the week’s patterns were complex and plagued by instrument problems. Moderate seismicity at the summit of Kilauea continued. Many small, low frequency earthquakes have taken place at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. The tiny earthquakes happened at the rate of about 1-2 per minute. As has been typical of the ongoing swarm for the past several weeks, some larger earthquakes also occurred, these coming from depths of a few kilometers. Little or no volcanic tremor accompanied the swarm at the summit. In contrast, as is the norm, volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained moderate to high. On 5 November, two small breakouts occurred. The freshly escaping lava was seen on the Kohola arm of the Mother's Day flow just below the top of the steep cliffs called Pulama pali. Observers watching a 30-40 m diameter crater located on the SW side of Pu`u `O`o crater noted a new lava pond, a new lava flow, and a fuming cone-pit. Visits to active flow fields on 7 November resulted in observations of hornitos, a 200-m-wide rootless shield, and the leading edge of 45-m-wide flow. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12-18 November 2003 During 12-17 November, areas of surface lava were visible upslope of Kilauea's coastal flat. Seismicity at Kilauea's summit continued at moderate levels, with one or two small low-frequency earthquakes per minute occurring at shallow depths beneath the summit caldera. There were some larger earthquakes at depths of a few kilometers. Also, during the report week small amounts of inflation and deflation occurred, including inflation on 17 November that started when the surface waves from a M 7.5 earthquake at Rat Island in the Aleutians reached Kilauea. The inflation was small, about 0.5 microradians at Pu`u `O`o tilt station and 0.3 microradians at Uwekahuna station. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-25 November 2003 Minor surface lava flows were observed upslope of Kilauea's coastal plain the week of 19-25 November. Small amounts of inflation and deflation were recorded through the week with sharp deflation beginning at both Uwekahuna and Pu`u O`o early on the morning of 25 November. Moderate, shallow seismicity was recorded beneath the summit, and moderate-to-high seismicity occurred beneath Pu`u O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 November- 2 December 2003 During 30 November to 2 December, incandescence was visible from lava in the upper flow field. Surface lava flows were not seen on the coastal flat or Pulama pali. At Kilauea, relatively strong shallow long-period seismicity at Halemaumau crater on 29 November decreased the following day. On these days a few deeper long-period earthquakes were recorded. On 29 November small amounts of inflation and deflation occurred, followed by very little deformation on 30 November. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-9 December 2003 During 3-9 December, incandescence and surface lava flows were observed in the upper flow field at Kilauea. Seismicity was low with weak tremor in the caldera interspersed with rare earthquakes. The swarm of shallow long-period earthquakes reported last week is over. Short periods of inflation and deflation occurred throughout the week. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10-16 December 2003 During 10-16 December, eruptive activity continued at Kilauea's Pu`u `O`o vent. Various vents within Pu`u `O`o were occasionally active and new lava flows covered parts of the crater floor. No surface lava flows were visible on the coastal flat or Pulama pali. During 15-16 December, only steady weak tremor was recorded at Kilauea's summit, tremor at Pu`u `O`o was at moderate levels, and slight deformation occurred. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17-23 December 2003 During 18-22 December, eruptive activity at the Pu`u `O`o vent of Kilauea continued unabated. Fresh lava from the southwestern vents within Pu`u `O`o coated a quarter of the crater floor. No active flows were observed on Pulama pali or the coastal flat below Paliuli and no lava entered the ocean. As of 18 December surface lava flows at high elevations along the Mother's Day lava-tube system ignited trees. A few small earthquakes were recorded at Kilauea's summit along with steady weak tremor. Volcanic tremor continuously occurred at moderate levels at Pu`u `O`o and small amounts of inflation and deflation were detected during the report period. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24-30 December 2003 During 24-30 December, no active lava flows were observed on Pulama pali or the coastal flat below Paliuli and no lava entered the ocean. Eruptive activity continued at the Pu`u `O`o vent. Few earthquakes occurred at Kilauea's summit, only steady weak tremor was recorded. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o continued at moderate levels. Deflation of the volcano during 24-28 December signified relatively rapid extrusion. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 December 2003- 6 January 2004 During 30 December to 5 January, volcanic activity continued at Kilauea's Pu`u `O`o crater, but surface lava flows were not observed on Pulama pali or the coastal flat below Paliuli and no lava entered the ocean. During 30 and 31 December, much lava was emitted from vents on the W side of Pu`u `O`o's crater floor. Nearly the entire W part of the crater floor was covered by new lava flows. Above the Pulama pali fault scarp, SW of Pu`u `O`o, several active shields (a pile of lava flows built over a lava tube rather than over a conduit feeding magma) were seen in the upper rootless shield complex on 31 December and spatter cones were seen at the top of West Gap shield on 5 January. During the report period, few earthquakes occurred at Kilauea's summit and volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o continued at moderate levels. In addition, small amounts of inflation and deflation were recorded. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7-13 January 2004 Volcanic activity continued at Kilauea's Pu`u `O`o crater during 8-12 January. Observers confirmed that most of the cones in the crater grew during the previous week and most cones were incandescent. Some days much lava was emitted from the West Gap vent, and the West Gap lava shield (a pile of lava flows built over a lava tube rather than over a conduit feeding magma) continued to expand. At Kilauea's summit few earthquakes and little, if any, volcanic tremor occurred. Volcanic tremor at Pu`u `O`o was continuous and at moderate levels. During the report period, small episodes of inflation and deflation occurred. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14-20 January 2004 On 18 January during 0550 to 0830 a large period of deflation occurred at Kilauea's Pu`u `O`o cone, amounting in 18.1 microradians of net deflation. During this period a fissure opened at the SE base of Pu`u `O`o, trending approximately radial to the cone. Lava was emitted from the fissure and from three to four vents nearby. The initial flow reached about 1.5 km S of the cone. The S side of Pu`u `O`o was cut by many new fractures. The longest fracture constituted the N boundary of a shallow graben (a linear trough bounded by faults) that was ~75 m long and up to 1 m deep. Surface lava flows were emitted from the E end of the graben, at the base of Pu`u `O`o. The area S of Pu`u `O`o cone appeared to be quite unstable, so HVO scientists warned that no one should venture into the area. Seismicity at Kilauea's summit during 15-20 January was at low levels, while tremor at Pu`u `O`o was continuous and at moderate levels. The tremor picked up during the formation of the graben on 18 January. As of 20 January tilt continued to steadily decline following the 18 January deflation event. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21-27 January 2004 On 22 January lava was emitted from the vent that formed at Kilauea on 19 January (the vent and lava flow S of Pu`u `O`o cone were named MLK in honor of the activity that began on Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday). There were also surface lava flows at the W side of the Amalgamated Bend shield SW of Pu`u `O`o. By 26 January there were no surface lava flows at the MLK vent, and incandescence was only visible at the S part of the rootless shield complex. On 23 January moderate-to-strong tremor beneath Kilauea's caldera stopped, while it lessened at Pu`u `O`o. On 26 January deflation that began on 18 January ended at Pu`u `O`o after reaching 24.7 microradians. This was probably the largest deflation event since early 1997. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 January- 3 February 2004 During 29 January to 1 February mild volcanic activity occurred at Kilauea, with incandescence visible at vents in Pu`u `O`o's crater and small surface flows on the central or southern part of the rootless shield complex, an area ~0.5 km SW of Pu`u `O`o. Starting on 18 January, when the MLK vent formed, the distance across the summit caldera decreased significantly, ending a period of increasing extension rate since the Mother's Day event in May 2002. During the report period, weak tremor occurred at Kilauea's summit along with a few long-period earthquakes. Tremor at Pu`u `O`o remained moderate. Small deflation and inflation events occurred at the summit and at Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-10 February 2004 During 5-10 February, lava flows and incandescence were sometimes visable in Pu`u` O`o's crater and at the rootless shield complex (an area ~0.5 km SW of Pu`u `O`o). Weak background tremor occurred at Kilauea's summit along with a few long-period earthquakes. Tremor at Pu`u `O`o was at moderate-to-low levels. Small deflation and inflation events occurred at the summit and at Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11-17 February 2004 During 12-17 February, lava flows and incandescence were sometimes visable in Pu`u `O`o's crater, the rootless shield complex (an area ~0.5 km SW of Pu`u `O`o), and the upper area of the Mother's Day lava tube (SW of Pu`u `O`o). Weak background tremor occurred at Kilauea's summit along with a few long-period earthquakes. Tremor at Pu`u `O`o was at moderate-to-low levels. Small deflation and inflation events occurred at the summit and at Pu`u `O`o. Source: US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory --------------------------------------------------------------