Satellite image shows inflation in the Kīlauea East Rift Zone

(BIVN) – Scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory have released a new satellite map showing the location of recent inflationary ground deformation in the upper and central eastern rift zone.

There is no eruption of Kīlauea and the USGS volcano alert level remains at “READY.”

“Earthquake activity and ground deformation in the upper East Rift Zone (UERZ) of Kīlauea began early Tuesday morning,” USGS HVO scientists wrote Wednesday. “Activity is still elevated but has decreased over the past 24 hours.”

From the HVO analysis of Wednesday, August 21:

Last night's unrest in the UERZ may represent another surge of magma being fed into the UERZ following the intrusive event that occurred near Pauahi Crater on July 22-25, 2024. Currently, the MERZ is not showing any signs of increased unrest; however, magma has recently again forced its way into the Kīlauea MERZ. Unrest could potentially expand into the MERZ if magma feed continues.

In its August 8 briefing statement, the USGS HVO wrote that recent observations “suggest that magma is accumulating underground in the area of ​​Makaopuhi and Napau craters, a known magma storage region in the remote Kīlauea rift zone in the Middle East.”

This map shows recent deformation at Kīlauea during the period August 7-19, 2024. Data was acquired by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1A satellite. Colored edges indicate areas of ground deformation, with more edges indicating greater deformation. Each color cycle represents 2.8 cm (1.1 in) of ground motion. The round feature east of Makaopuhi Crater in the East Rift Zone indicates inflation during this period due to subsurface magma accumulation. The arrow at the upper left indicates the satellite's orbital direction (arrow) and viewing direction (bar).

HVO says it is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. “There are currently no signs of an imminent eruption; however, conditions could change quickly,” HVO said.