Hawaiian Volcano Update: Kīlauea's Eruption Still Sluggish, March 2, 2023

Approaching two months since its onset, Kīlauea's eruption remains sluggish following the large deflation event on February 17, with only the western basin showing occasional overturns of red lava. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that while volcanic tremor has slightly dropped in recent weeks, it remains above background level, suggesting continued magma flow through the conduit to the surface. However, the GPS-based distance across the summit caldera appears to be increasing over the same period, consistent with more magma entering the volcano from depth and building underground than is able to erupt to the surface. There still remains no unusual activity in either of Kīlauea's rift zones, with the important surface and subsurface changes confined to the summit area, and no increased threat to people. Similar patterns of reduced activity have been evident during the two recent phases of summit eruption, sometimes resuming the eruptions and on two occasions ending them despite the build-up of underground pressure which led to subsequent activity. As usual, only time will tell what Kīlauea will do next. Continuing rainy weather and the still-ongoing reduction in activity have made for sub-optimal viewing within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, but have also reduced volcanic gas emissions and cleared the air of the persistent vog that remains the primary eruptive hazard for island residents. Given the questions about the interaction of rain and the volcano, we review the recent publications to discuss the various factors potentially affecting the onset of the 2018 eruption, including magmatic pressure, rain, and earthquake-induced changes on Kīlauea. In our typical style, we review the recent changes in the eruption using webcam timelapses, videos, and reports courtesy of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, annotate the presentation on-screen, and discuss live viewer questions. Maunaloa's recent lava flows continue to cool, steaming in the recent rain, with no further monitoring changes to report. https://youtube.com/live/88bGtb087gU