Another earthquake swarm is rocking Mauna Loa, but the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory states that there are no signs of an imminent volcanic eruption.
HVO reported today that approximately 44 small-magnitude earthquakes have been detected below Mauna Loa over the past 24 hours. Most of those quakes had shallow epicenters, less than 9 miles below sea level.
HVO also detected “continued surface deformation related to inflation of a magma chamber beneath the summit,” although local tiltmeters at the summit show no significant changes.
Concentrations of volcanic gases remain stable at the summit and other locations, HVO reported.
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed the Mauna Loa summit backcountry to the public until further notice Wednesday evening as a “precautionary measure” because of the elevated seismic activity. Mauna Loa Road and the Mauna Loa Lookout remain open.
HVO has stated it will continue to monitor seismic activity at Mauna Loa and will issue further updates as necessary.