The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is on a mission to track the dramatic growth of a new volcanic cone, or 'puʻu', at Kīlauea. But this isn't your average volcano watch—it's a tale of innovation and adaptation in the face of nature's raw power.
The Challenge:
Tephra, including Pele's hair, has been raining down since the eruption began, but the real challenge emerged with the birth of the new puʻu. The HVO team initially tried a simple approach, photographing the burial of a road sign to gauge tephra accumulation. But by May 11, the sign was almost entirely buried, rendering this method ineffective.
And this is where it gets tricky: the scientists then tried a more systematic approach, using garden stakes to measure tephra fall. However, the puʻu's rapid growth during lava fountaining episodes quickly buried the stakes, making this method impractical.
High-Tech to the Rescue:
With low-tech methods failing, the team turned to high-tech solutions. They employed handheld, high-precision GPS instruments to walk transects and measure the puʻu's growth. This method, though more complex, provided the accuracy needed to track the volcano's evolution.
The process is meticulous: geologists take GPS measurements at multiple sites, including near the peak of the puʻu, which is no easy feat as the peak's location and safety can change between episodes. The instrument must lock onto enough satellites to ensure vertical accuracy, then record data points every second for 4 minutes. Each transect is a 2-3 hour endeavor.
Unveiling the Puʻu's Secrets:
Once the data is processed, it reveals fascinating insights. The HVO team uses high-precision elevation data from 2019 as a baseline and compares it with the new measurements. They've also employed a helicopter-mounted airborne lidar system to scan the entire puʻu in high-resolution 3D, though processing this data is complex and ongoing.
The results are astonishing. During lava fountaining episodes, the puʻu can grow by several meters in just a few hours. For instance, at the site of the buried road sign, the tephra deposit reached 3.4 meters (11 feet) after episode 23, and episode 24 added a staggering 7.8 meters (25.6 feet) in just over 7 hours!
Nature's Power on Display:
The puʻu grows most during high-fountaining episodes, showcasing the immense power of Hawaiian volcanoes. Interestingly, the location of this growth is where visitors once drove around Halemaʻumaʻu, highlighting how quickly the landscape can change.
Volcano Activity Updates:
Kīlauea has been erupting episodically within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024, with a current USGS Volcano Alert level of WATCH. Episode 37 showcased 9 hours of lava fountaining on November 25, and another episode is expected soon. Mauna Loa, on the other hand, is not erupting, with a normal alert level.
A M3.5 earthquake was felt near Pāhala on November 29, reminding us of the region's seismic activity. The HVO remains vigilant, closely monitoring both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Controversy and Questions:
The HVO's efforts provide a unique window into volcanic processes, but they also raise questions. How can we better predict these rapid growth episodes? And what does this mean for the surrounding landscape and communities? The data collected by the HVO is a treasure trove for scientists and a reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet.
What do you think? Are there other innovative ways to monitor and understand volcanic activity? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going!
