Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, USA
 · 2 min read
 · Ben Afflicker
Table of contents

Monitoring Volcanic Activity at Kilauea: USGS Efforts and Public Alerts

Introduction

Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is closely monitored by the US Geological Survey (USGS) to ensure public safety and to provide timely information about its activity. This article details the methods used by the USGS to monitor Kilauea and the types of alerts issued to the public.

Details

  • Monitoring Techniques

    • Seismic Monitoring
      • Seismometers are placed around the volcano to detect earthquakes and tremors.
      • Data is analyzed to identify patterns that may indicate magma movement.
    • Ground Deformation Monitoring
      • GPS stations measure changes in the ground level around Kilauea.
      • InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) detects subtle shifts in the earth's surface.
    • Gas Emission Monitoring
      • Instruments measure volcanic gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) to assess volcanic activity.
      • Increases in gas emissions can correlate with eruptive behavior.
    • Real-time Webcams
      • Live cameras provide visual monitoring of the volcano's activity.
      • Images are shared online for public viewing and assessment.

  • Alert Levels

    • Normal (Green)
      • Representing baseline volcanic activity.
      • No significant signs of unrest, and the volcano is in a non-eruptive state.
    • Advisory (Yellow)
      • Indicates changes in volcanic activity that warrant increased monitoring.
      • Minor eruptions or unusual activity may be occurring but is not threatening.
    • Watch (Orange)
      • More significant changes detected, indicating a heightened risk of an eruption.
      • Evacuation may be recommended for the public in high-risk areas.
    • Warning (Red)
      • Imminent or ongoing eruptions pose a significant threat to life and property.
      • Emergency alerts are issued, and evacuations are usually enforced.

  • Public Communication

    • Alerts and Advisories
      • Information is disseminated through various channels, including social media, press releases, and the USGS website.
      • Alerts are sent to local authorities to inform the community through appropriate means.
    • Information Sharing
      • Regular updates are provided to the public about the current status of Kilauea.
      • Community meetings and outreach programs are held to educate residents about potential hazards.

  • Collaboration with Local Agencies

    • The USGS works closely with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and local emergency management organizations.
    • Coordination ensures that resources are effectively utilized during volcanic events.
    • Emergency response plans are regularly updated based on the latest data and experiences from past eruptions.

Conclusion

The US Geological Survey employs a comprehensive set of monitoring techniques to track volcanic activity at Kilauea, providing vital information that helps protect the public. Through alert systems ranging from Normal to Warning levels, residents and visitors are kept informed of potential hazards. The collaboration between the USGS and local agencies is crucial in ensuring that the community is prepared for any volcanic event.