A [gradual] 40 µrad deflation of the summit occurred [aseismically] during late August and September. In late October, a 15 cm dilation and a several-acre area of steam-killed trees were noted N of Kalapana on the E rift zone, about 25 km from the summit of Kīlauea. It is assumed that the magma that left the summit area migrated into the E rift zone, causing the effects observed near Kalapana.

[Intrusive episodes on 21 June and 14 July 1976, not reported in the original Bulletin, are described in the comprehensive summary of Dzurisin and others, 1984.]

Geological Summary. Kilauea overlaps the E flank of the massive Mauna Loa shield volcano in the island of Hawaii. Eruptions are prominent in Polynesian legends; written documentation since 1820 records frequent summit and flank lava flow eruptions interspersed with periods of long-term lava lake activity at Halemaumau crater in the summit caldera until 1924. The 3 x 5 km caldera was formed in several stages about 1,500 years ago and during the 18th century; eruptions have also originated from the lengthy East and Southwest rift zones, which extend to the ocean in both directions. About 90% of the surface of the basaltic shield volcano is formed of lava flows less than about 1,100 years old; 70% of the surface is younger than 600 years. The long-term eruption from the East rift zone between 1983 and 2018 produced lava flows covering more than 100 km2, destroyed hundreds of houses, and added new coastline.

Information Contacts: G. Eaton, HVO; D. Shackelford, CA.