HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT U.S. Geological Survey Sunday, August 29, 2021, 9:48 AM HST

KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25’16” N 155°17’13” W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: ADVISORY
Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW

Activity Summary: Kīlauea volcano is not erupting. However, intrusive activity that began on August 23 continues south of Kīlauea caldera. Ground deformation in Kīlauea’s south summit region continues, though at a rate slightly lower than the rates seen in the first intrusive pulse spanning August 23-25. In contrast, current earthquake activity remains low compared to the earlier pulses of this intrusive activity. The East Rift Zone remains quiet. 

Observations:

The rate of ground deformation beneath the south part of Kīlauea summit region, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, decreased slightly on the evening of August 28. The current rate is slightly lower than the  rates seen in the first intrusive pulse spanning August 23-25. These observations suggest that magma is continuing to be supplied to the ongoing intrusion. 

Over the past 24 hours, approximately 95 earthquakes were recorded at Kīlauea summit and south of Kīlauea caldera. Most of the earthquakes were less than magnitude 2 and occurred approximately 1-4 km (0.6-2.5 mi) below the surface. These small earthquakes have occurred at up to 7 detected earthquakes per hour. These earthquake rates are significantly lower than the rates observed earlier this week. 

At the time of this statement, activity continues but there is no indication of upward migration of earthquakes toward the surface or change in deformation that would indicate shallowing of the source intrusive activity. Accordingly, Kīlauea’s Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code remain at ADVISORY/YELLOW. 

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continues to closely monitor Kīlauea for changes in activity. HVO will continue to issue Kīlauea status reports and additional messages as needed.