June 10: LERZ Very Gassy, Summit Not So Much

Today’s Eruption Summary

Fissure 8’s eight-mile lava river and the summit’s daily explosion have followed their usual pattern of the past two weeks. However, volcanic gas emissions at the Lower East Rift Zone doubled on Saturday compared to the past week, while SO2 emissions from Halema’uma’u are about half what they were before this current eruption started.

USGS: “The fissure 8 cone and lava fountaining viewed at 8PM HST on June 9 from a location on Kupono Street. The incandescence to the left is lava in the active channel.” BELOW: June 10 Hawaii Fire Department Overflight, ocean entry plume in far distance.

06/10/18 Photos - Kilauea, HI - East Rift Zone Eruption Event

Are those two facts linked? I dunno. I’ll be interested to hear if/when lava samples collected from the Fissure 8 flow start to show signs they came down from the summit instead of Pu’u O’o.

USGS: “The northern rim of Halema’uma’u Crater at Kilauea’s summit on June 9, from the noon helicopter overflight. The floor of the Kilauea Caldera is showing prominent cracking from the ongoing subsidence, and the steaming cracks in the background have been observed for several days now.”
Before-and-After Halema’uma’u 2017 vs 2018

I found a July 2017 screencap from HVO’s panorama webcam, so here’s an animation fading from it to today’s view. Check out the full-sized animation; you can really see how much Halema’uma’u has enlarged.

HVO webcam panoramas of Halema’umau: July 10, 2017  compared with June 10, 2018. (Click for Full-sized)
Below: slow news day, lots of photos.

Be warned, there’s some sad news, especially in the social media section at the end. This is a natural disaster, and it’s hard, even if it provides some amazing visuals and fascinating science as compensation. But they can’t make up for what’s lost.

USGS PHOTOS For June 10

Fissure 8 during 7AM overflight,  looking much as it did yesterday:

USGS: “Fissure 8 continues to erupt vigorously, with lava streaming through a channel that reaches the ocean at Kapoho Bay. The width of the active part of the lava channel varies along its length, but ranges from about 100 to 300 meters (yards) wide. A clear view of the cinder-and-spatter cone that’s building around the vent from ongoing lava fountains can be seen here.” (Full-sized)

100-300 meters wide: my boldface, because I’ve been wondering how wide that channel is. Up to three football fields, yo.

I’ve been hearing about breakouts encroaching on a “cinder pit” for a while. Here’s where that was. That “cinder pit” must be from a previous eruption much like this one.

USGS: “Distant view of Kīlauea Volcano’s fissure 8 lava channel from HVO’s early morning overflight on June 10, looking to the southeast. Bryson’s cinder quarry is the brown patch just to the north of the channel.” (Full-sized)
USGS: “A closer view of the fissure 8 lava channel with the cinder quarry more clearly visible in the foreground (bottom of photo). During this morning’s overflight, HVO geologists observed no new breakouts of lava near this quarry.” (Full-sized)

Here’s the breakouts near (or on top of? not sure) the corner of Pohoki Rd and Highway 132 that have been causing concern for the past two days.

USGS: “Overflows of the upper fissure 8 lava channel this morning sent small flows of lava down the levee walls. These overflows did not extend far from the channel, so they posed no immediate threat to nearby areas. Channel overflows, like the ones shown here, add layers of lava to the channel levees, increasing their height and thickness.” (Full-sized)

So far, these little overflows are just solidifying on the channel’s banks, building the levees higher. But they have to be watched closely, because if they ever gain momentum (aided by the “perched flow” and gravity), they could start a new, fast-moving lava flow, or even divert the existing channel into a new one.

USGS: “A closer aerial view of the lava delta forming at the Kapoho Bay ocean entry, where fissure 8 lava continued enter the ocean as of this morning. Laze (lava haze), an acidic white plume laced with tiny particles of volcanic glass, is produced by the ocean entry and creates an ongoing hazard that should be avoided.” (Full-sized)
USGS: “The fissure 8 lava flow reaches the ocean at Kapoho Bay, where a lava delta has formed and continues to grow as lava enters the sea. The largest white laze plume marks the main point where lava is entering the sea, but smaller active entry points persist along the entire leading margin of the flow.” (Full-sized)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, houses give a sense of scale. That is a thick lava flow, as well as an expansive one.

Lava Flow Map: Noon June 10, 2018
USGS Map of lava flows, June 10, 2018, noon. (Full-sized)

Thermal Map from 5pm yesterday:

USGS: “This thermal map shows the fissure system and lava flows as of 5:30 pm on Saturday, June 9. The flow from Fissure 8 remains active, with the flow entering the ocean at Kapoho.” (Full-sized)

My mother remarked how astonishing it is that it’s still white-hot— or at least the temperature’s at the top of the thermal map’s scale— all the way past Kapoho Crater. That’s miles and miles.

Yesterday’s 5pm overflight uploaded this morning

From June 9 late afternoon.

HVO Kilauea 4pm Status update for June 10

No video briefing or conference call today, but HVO’s 4pm status report brings us up to speed. I’m going to quote today’s update in full for a change.

The parts in italics are the parts that change from one status update to the next, and that’s what I’ve been summarizing in my daily posts. I have not been covering the non-italic sections, which tend to remain the same for days or weeks at a time.

Kīlauea Volcano Lower East Rift Zone

Vigorous eruption of lava continues from the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) fissure system in the area of Leilani Estates.

Overnight, lava fountains from Fissure 8 reached heights of 130-180 feet, feeding a strong channel to the northeast and then east that experienced minor small levee overflows. Near the Four Corners region the channel was incandescent and flowing. Yesterday’s measurements show that gas emissions have nearly doubled, possibly indicating an increase in eruption rate from Fissure 8. The morning overflight revealed that the fountains and channels continue to erupt and transport lava to the ocean entry which was one large plume. Offshore of this ocean entry, there is an upwelling of ocean water heated by lava flowing on the ocean floor.  Minor lava activity at Fissures 16/18 continued.

Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass from fountaining of Fissure 8 are falling downwind of the fissure and accumulating on the ground within Leilani Estates. High winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.

The most recent map of lava flows can be found at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

HVO field crews are on site tracking the fountains, lava flows, and spattering from Fissure 8 as conditions allow and are reporting information to Hawaii County Civil Defense. Observations are also collected on a daily basis from cracks in the area of Highway 130; no changes in temperature, crack width, or gas emissions have been noted for several days.

Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from Fissure 8 eruptions. Yesterday, gas emissions were measured to be nearly twice the value measured during the past two weeks. Trade wind conditions are expected to bring vog to the south and west sides of the Island of Hawaii.

The ocean entry is a hazardous area. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water. Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea. Additionally, the interaction of lava with the ocean creates “laze”, a corrosive seawater plume laden with hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

Magma continues to be supplied to the lower East Rift Zone. Seismicity remains relatively low in the area with numerous small magnitude earthquakes and low amplitude background tremor. Higher amplitude tremor is occasionally being recorded on seismic stations close to the ocean entry.

Additional ground cracking and outbreaks of lava in the area of the active fissures are possible. Residents downslope of the region of fissures should heed all Hawaii County Civil Defense messages and warnings.

Kīlauea Volcano Summit

A small explosion occurred at Kilauea’s summit at 12:51 AM HST — about 20 hours since the previous event. Seismicity dropped immediately after the explosion and remains low at this time, but based on past trends we expect earthquake rates to increase over the course of the day. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halema`uma`u continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit.

Sulfur dioxide emissions from the volcano’s summit have dropped to levels that are about half those measured prior to the onset of the current episode of eruptive activity. This gas and minor amounts of ash are being transported downwind, with small bursts of ash and gas accompanying intermittent explosive activity.

For forecasts of where ash would fall under forecast wind conditions, please consult the Ash3D model output here: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/activity_2018.html

Latest Kilauea Status Updates June 10

Civil Defense Updates

The usual. Morning ash warnings for Ka’u following predawn summit explosion, trade winds coming to the rescue for the rest of the Big Island.   6AM |  1PM |  6PM

Hawaii County Fire Dpt Photos June 10

Great album of 71 (!!!) detailed Kapoho/Fissure 8 overflight photos and videos posted on the Hawaii Civil Defense Flickr today.

I think that may be PGV on the left in the background:

06/10/18 Photos - Kilauea, HI - East Rift Zone Eruption Event

This video ends by examining that “perched flow” area they’ve been worried about (at least, I assume that’s it):

06/10/18 Photos - Kilauea, HI - East Rift Zone Eruption Event

It’s hard to tell where the edges of the molten areas are during the daytime, since it’s not glowing much.

06/10/18 Photos - Kilauea, HI - East Rift Zone Eruption Event

It’s also hard to tell far out the lava is extending underwater.

06/10/18 Photos - Kilauea, HI - East Rift Zone Eruption Event

Here’s that album’s link again.

HVO/USGS Answering Questions on Social Media

Picture linked to by Dane is a graph of the recent earthquake cycle/pattern at the summit:

A reminder that the current summit explosions are steam — and maybe gas — explosions whose vibrations register like earthquakes in the same way that shockwaves from a bomb or even ocean waves from a strong storm have a seismic signature without being true earthquakes:

I’ve been wondering exactly what is exploding up there. In 1924, scientists guessed they were steam explosions, but it wasn’t until now, with modern instruments available, that the USGS can begin to measure and analyze Kilauea summit explosions.

But I imagine they’re having to priorities fieldwork in the Lower East Rift Zone over the summit, since it’s closer to more people. Although they’re also having problems getting samples— no wonder, since the main lava channel has huge barely-solidified banks they dare not climb:

Also, I got an answer to a question about Pu’u O’o I’ve been wondering about since May 2!

From Other Scientists
Mick Kalber Daily Overflight

Here’s his notes for today.

From Local News Outlets

#LeilaniEstatesEruption #KilaueaVolcano LATEST (June 10 at 3:15 PM): Incredible new closeup footage taken by the incomparable @GBradLewis of the fissure 8 fountain that has fired non-stop for nearly two weeks now — as USGS HVO geologists report a possible increase in the eruption rate that’s fueling the fast-moving flow that continues to make it’s way through Leilani Estates, Lanipuna Gardens and into Kapoho and Vacationland where it is pouring into what was once Kapoho Bay. According to USGS, the lava delta that is filling #KapohoBay is now about 200 acres. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports: “Overnight, lava fountains from Fissure 8 reached heights of 130-180 feet, feeding a strong channel to the northeast and then east that experienced minor small levee overflows. Near the Four Corners region the channel was incandescent and flowing. Yesterday's measurements show that gas emissions have nearly doubled, possibly indicating an increase in eruption rate from Fissure 8. The morning overflight revealed that the fountains and channels continue to erupt and transport lava to the ocean entry which was one large plume. Offshore of this ocean entry, there is an upwelling of ocean water heated by lava flowing on the ocean floor. Minor lava activity at Fissures 16/18 continued. A small explosion occurred at Kīlauea's summit at 12:51 AM HST — about 20 hours since the previous event. Seismicity dropped immediately after the explosion and remains low at this time, but based on past trends we expect earthquake rates to increase over the course of the day. Inward slumping of the rim and walls of Halemaʻumaʻu continues in response to ongoing subsidence at the summit.” Stay tuned to @HawaiiNewsNow for the very latest developments #HInews #HawaiiNews #HNN #HawaiiNewsNow #WeAreYourSource (Video: Brad Lewis)

A post shared by Mileka Lincoln (@milekalincoln) on

Featured Photographer:

G. Brad Lewis, volcanoman.com

. Thanks to @Cheaptarts for pointing me to BradLewis Instagram. I’ve seen Mileka Lincoln post his great photos, but I prefer to embed from the original photographer’s social media so he retains control of the source file.

See more on GBradLewis’ Instagram.

On the most remote land mass on the planet, sitting upon a hot spot, erupts a mighty volcano. This has been happening for millions of years. Now it’s 2018, and this so-called “fissure 8” (I call it Pu’u ʻAilāʻau) arose in the middle of Luana St. in Leilani Estates subdivision on the Big Island of Hawaii. It has impacted thousands of people, destroyed over 500 homes, and changed a way of life that can never be the same. Belongings have gone up in smoke and been covered by thick sheets of lava. Yet we are fortunate that lives have been spared and we will live another day upon the Aina. Let us focus on what we are grateful for and have compassion for those who suffer loss. Aloha. #leilani #lavafountain #puna #kilauea #volcano #hawaii #bigisland #gradlewis #aloha

A post shared by G. Brad Lewis (@gbradlewis) on

More Social Media

Amazing colors.

From the nerd side of Twitter, trying to suss out these summit explosions:

(I’ve seen the above graph used by the “Mauna Loa’s about to erupt!” hoaxsters, with the “Kilauea Summit Events” caption erased. Sigh.)

And now, several tweets memorializing Kapoho Bay.

Someday, there will be new tidepools, but it will take a long time in human years.

Sadly, while people can get out of the way and rebuild, many animals were left behind. Volunteers (including the indefatigable Ikaika Marzo) are mobilizing to rescue animals cut off by flows south of Kapoho Bay, where there’s still ocean access. But this is particularly sad:

Heartbreaking. But it sounds like there’s some very determined people trying to save them:

6/10/18 WE ALL NEED TO PUT PRESSURE ON COUNTY AND CIVIL DEFENSE RE:ANIMAL RESCUES. This is beyond URGENT!!! Axel Kratel…

Posted by Liz Gilbert on Sunday, June 10, 2018

I really, really hope this happens.

(I don’t know this group, nor have they landed on GoFundMe’s verified page so far. But from what I’ve seen, they appear to be compassionate locals speaking in good faith.)

In the meantime, to avoid even more animals being left behind if the lava heads in a new direction (these areas are not yet threatened, but they’re close enough to the Fissure 8 flow they could be, if there’s a major breakout):

More beautiful images, sober pictures, and glimmers of hope from the Puna community coming together to help one another:

6/10/18 From the wonderful Monica Berger " Yesterdayʻs fly over. There are not enough adjectives to describe these…

Posted by Liz Gilbert on Sunday, June 10, 2018

I can’t end this post on such a grim note.

This is a local account of the last Kapoho to be buried by lava, but it also tells of regrowth/rebirth after the lava cools:

Gladys Flanders, published in “Honolulu” magazine, 1985:
“Our Volcanic History — in 1959” an account of the last Kapoho community to have to face this kind of loss and rebuild:

Today, 25 years after the eruption, many of the townspeople, including Joseph Pestrella, Koichi Soga and Masakichi Higashi, are dead. Others, like Shizuka Inada, live in Hilo. But most followed their original plan to settle in the Pahoa area. Here they raise papayas or grow anthuriums beneath lush tree ferns. Since 1961, the Lymans’ Kapoho Land and Development Company has been reclaiming Kapoho’s cinder-covered wasteland, and more than 55 acres are covered with flourishing papaya and ornamental shrubbery, grown on an experimental basis.

White lichen, known as “Hawaiian snow”, has begun to creep across the clinkery lava bounding the hiking trail that starts near the site of Kapoho, at the foot of the cinder cone Pu’u Laimanu. There is an easy, but slippery, walk to the cone’s rim. Toward the ocean, in the direction the lava took, is the junction of routes 132 and 137. On the left is a small cemetery, one of the few spots spared by the lava. The lighthouse at the end of the trail is now automated.

Eerie silence pervades the vast area of twisted lava. In the mist one senses the presence of Alice Campbell’s visionary Pele, moving on soundless feet, her long black hair flowing in the wind.