This is my transcript of the July 2, 2018 11am USGS press briefing, which covered lava-created thunderstorms, whirlwinds, and rain; laze-induced lightning; and lava boats. Additionally, Mike Zoellner mentioned findings of a sonar expedition to measure the lava extending on the ocean floor.
Soundfile is archived here. BigIslandVideoNews has also posted most of it, overlaid with recent video footage:
Participants:
- Leslie Gordon, USGS Public Affairs
- Jessica Ferracane, Hawaii Volcanoes Nat’l Park Public Affairs
- Robert Ballard, NWS
- Mike Zoeller, HVO & Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes, UHI
- Brian Shiro, seismologist, USGS/HVO
Transcript note: I omit salutations/pleasantries, jumping straight to news and information. Also I usually summarize questions to provide just enough context for USGS responses.