HVO Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal gave an EXCELLENT evening briefing on the first 24 hours of the Leilani Estates Eruption, explaining very clearly what was happening and why.
[Big Island Video News, overlaid with video from Mick Kalber flyover]
Powerpoint slide summary of TALK:
- 6 fissures in first 24 hours — more are expected
- No lava flows extending more than tens of yards so far — flows are expected
- Magma intrusion into LERZ [Lower East Rift Zone] is continuing
- High levels of sulfur dioxide gas [SO2] near fissures and downwind
- More Magnitude 5+ earthquakes possible as volcano adjusts to intrusion
Excerpts from this Briefing:
Continue reading May 4: USGS Scientist Explains First 24 Hours of Eruption