Kīlauea volcano activity forces Hawaii park trail closures

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 08:55 · Archive

Renewed volcanic activity at Kīlauea in Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park has prompted the National Park Service to close Halemaʻumaʻu Trail and part of Byron Ledge Trail, affecting 1.3 miles of trails combined. The closures came as the USGS issued a volcanic activity notice reporting renewed spattering at two vents following recent activity beneath the summit.

Over 200 shallow earthquakes struck beneath Kīlauea's summit during the past week. A magnitude-3.4 earthquake on 30 September caused small rockfalls along the caldera's north wall. An intrusion occurring from 30 September to 1 October is believed to have caused new cracks along the caldera floor. The volcano remained at orange alert level, the second-highest on the USGS's four-tier scale, indicating heightened volcanic activity and the potential for an eruption with limited hazards to aviation.

Scientists said they cannot forecast when or if the volcano's 55th episode of lava fountaining will occur. The USGS stated that 'forecast windows for episode 55 fountaining can no longer be modeled due to changes in conditions'. Officials outlined several hazards for residents and visitors, including potentially dangerous gas emissions and small, glassy volcanic fragments that can cause skin and eye irritation.

How it is being reported

• Rumbling volcano forces immediate trail closures at popular vacation hot spotOver 200 shallow earthquakes were recorded beneath Kīlauea's summit during the past week, according to the NPS, citing the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.New York Post · 9 Oct, 08:34
• Rumbling volcano forces immediate trail closures at popular vacation hot spotThe Kīlauea volcano shows renewed spattering at two vents as USGS scientists monitor for a possible 55th episode of lava fountains at the summit.Fox News · 9 Oct, 03:02

In this story: Kīlauea · Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park · U.S. Geological Survey · National Park Service · Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

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