Restlessness at the summit of Kilauea volcano does not necessarily indicate an imminent eruption, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists.
HVO reported in updates throughout the week that the summit of Kilauea has been slowly and steadily inflating, accompanied by an “elevated” rate of earthquakes in the area.
On Thursday, HVO reported that the level of summit inflation has exceeded that recorded on Jan. 5, immediately preceding the most recent summit eruption, which paused on March 7.
But HVO Scientist in Charge Ken Hon said the activity on the volcano doesn’t mean that it is gearing up for a new eruption.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean anything,” Hon said. “We’re not seeing anything indicative of an imminent eruption, although we know that eruptions may only give us warning signs like 45 minutes in advance.”
Hon said the inflation at the summit indicates that magma is repressurizing beneath the volcano, and that while increasing inflation correlates to an increased chance of eruption, it is not a guarantee.
“There’s nothing magical about that Jan. 5 inflation number, either,” Hon added.
“Mostly, we just wanted to draw people’s attention to the fact that Kilauea’s still there,” Hon said. “So, that if there is an eruption, people aren’t surprised.”
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.