Kilauea Volcano may be getting ready for another event

Been rather quiet over the past few days, however, earlier in the morning (around 3 am I believe), a 16th fissure has opened with a pretty rigorous eruption and flow. The new eruption is about a mile to the east of Leilani Estates in a papaya field with no homes in the immediate area.

An interesting article I read yesterday said USGS/HVO scientists believe the lava that has been erupting is from the 1955 eruption phase, which means, according to them, if/when the newer, hotter flow makes it down, things could get a little more.....interesting. Also, Halemaumau's lava lake continues to drain, so much so that HVO scientists are predicting an explosive event(s) when the lava drains beyond the underground water table, which is expected anywhere from today and beyond. Hawaii Volcano National Park has been closed due to the imminency of this event.

 

They're talking about the Great Crack, which is in the Ka'u district further south of Kilauea and Volcano National Park. It's an 8 mile long crack which is approx 60' wide and 60' deep. Some people we're basically trying to tie current eruption phase to the crack somehow. I think there's a couple of videos on YT I think. The basic theory is that the crack could get big enough, via eruptions/earthquakes/both, that that section would fall away ala the San Andreas theory.

The other thing they could be talking about is the Hilina Slump.

Via Wikipedia: "On November 29, 1975, a 40-mile (60 km) wide section of the Hilina Slump slid 11 feet (3 m) into the ocean, widening the crack by 26 ft (8 m). This movement caused a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami that reached a maximum height of 47.0 feet (14.3 m) at Keauhou Landing.[8] Oceanfront properties were washed off their foundations in Punaluʻu. Two deaths were reported at Halape, and 19 other persons were injured. The shoreline at Keauhou Bay was dramatically altered.[9]".

 

Lava reaching 100'+ into the air.
Unbelievable.

 

17th fissure opened up and erupted this morning. Definitely the largest breakout thus far. Approximately 150-200 yards long and lava shooting upwards to 700 feet in the air. This one has a punch.

 

Short vid of fissure 17 from yesterday. From what I've heard, still going strong

 

Another aerial video of fissure 17, which opened up over the weekend and is still going strong. Vid was taken yesterday. The leading edge of the flow is approximately +/- 2 miles from the ocean and heading in that direction. Currently, there are 20 fissures, 3 of which are active (17, 19, 20). All 15 fissures that opened up in Leilani Estates have gone quiet at the moment as the lava appears to be moving further down the East Rift Zone. Late last week, there were 2 fissures which opened to the west of the Estates, but were smaller and short lived.

 

Overnight, 2 fissures in Leilani Estates reopened with lava erupting. Fissure 17, the largest and most active over the last few days, has slowed down significantly, but still spewing lava. Also, large cracks have developed on Hwy 11 near the Hawaii Volcano National Park. There have been a large number of quakes over the past few days, but officials and scientists are there to examine these cracks. (The Hwy 11 cracks are a recent development within the last hour or so) Sheesh.

 

At 4:17 am HST, Halema'uma'u crater had the first expected explosive event.

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/...adaches-kau-residents-react-to-recent-ashfall

 

A 21st fissure opened up a day ago. Fissures 17 and 18, which seemed like were slowing down a tad, are now pumping stronger. An old fissure in Leilani (#6?) is also going pretty good apparently. The lava erupting out of these eruptions are of the pahoehoe type, which leads to the thought that we are now seeing the Pu'u O'o lava making it's way down the East Rift Zone now. Much more fluid eruptions.

 

From this afternoons flyover.