Tag: u_s_geological_survey
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Hawaii's Deep Earthquakes Linked to Island Weight, Not Volcanic Activity
Deep earthquakes recently rattled Hawaiʻi, caused by the immense weight of the island chain flexing the oceanic crust, not volcanic activity. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory explains these "flexure events" and advises on safety.
Science & TechnologyEnvironment HawaiʻiEarthquakesUSGS Hawaiian Volcano ObservatoryVolcanismGeologyNatural DisastersPacific PlateU.S. Geological Survey
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Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu Eruption Reaches 50th Fountaining Milestone
Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu eruption reached its 50th fountaining episode on June 27, 2026, marked by a 1030-foot lava fountain. Scientists anticipate episode 51 between July 8-15, continuing close monitoring of the volcano.
Science & TechnologyEnvironmentEducationFederal GovernmentDigital and Print Publishing KīlaueaHalemaʻumaʻuVolcanoLava fountainHawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkUSGS Hawaiian Volcano ObservatoryVolcanic EruptionU.S. Geological Survey
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Renowned Volcanologist Bruce Houghton Retires, Leaves Lasting Legacy in Hawaii and Global Science
Professor Bruce Houghton, a renowned volcanologist, retired from the University of Hawaiʻi after 25 years. His pioneering research on explosive eruptions, high-speed imaging, and community engagement profoundly shaped our understanding of volcanic hazards and preparedness.
Science & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentWorldEducationEnvironmentFederal GovernmentState GovernmentsGeneral PoliticsSocial Issues Bruce HoughtonVolcanologyUniversity of HawaiʻiKīlaueaVolcanic HazardsExplosive EruptionsScientific ResearchU.S. Geological Survey
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Kīlauea's Episodic Eruption: USGS Explains "Episodes" vs. "Eruptions"
Kīlauea's summit eruption features 49 lava fountaining "episodes," with a 50th forecast. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory clarifies why these distinct events are part of one ongoing eruption, guided by continuous monitoring data.
Science & TechnologyEnvironmentFederal Government KīlaueaHalemaʻumaʻuVolcanoesLava FountainingUSGS Hawaiian Volcano ObservatoryEruptionHawaiiU.S. Geological Survey
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Mauna Loa's 1926 Eruption: A Century Later, Lessons in Disaster Response and Monitoring Remembered
A century after Mauna Loa's 1926 eruption destroyed Ho‘ōpūloa village, its legacy of pioneering aerial photography and organized crowd management continues to inform modern volcano response, as highlighted by HVO.
Science & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementEnvironmentFederal GovernmentSocial IssuesTransportation Mauna LoaVolcanoesHawaiiHo‘ōpūloa village1926 eruptionAerial photographyEmergency managementU.S. Geological Survey
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Kīlauea Summit Vegetation Devastated by Volcanic Plumes and Kona Winds
Kīlauea's summit vegetation has suffered severe defoliation from volcanic gases and tephra, intensified by Kona winds from January to April 2026. The unique weather patterns pushed hazardous plumes northward, impacting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, though signs of recovery are now…
Science & TechnologyEnvironmentWeatherFederal GovernmentGeneral WeatherEducation KīlaueaVolcanoHawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkSulfur DioxideTephraKona WindsʻŌhiʻa LehuaU.S. Geological Survey
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Hawaii Experiences Record-Setting Magnitude-6 Earthquake
A magnitude-6 earthquake off Hawaii's west coast generated over 7,000 felt reports, a new state record. The deep tremor was caused by Pacific Plate flexure, not volcanic activity, prompting rapid agency response and safety reminders.
Science & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentDisastersComputers and InternetEnvironmentFederal GovernmentState Governments HawaiiEarthquakeUSGSHVOPacific PlateSeismologyNatural DisastersU.S. Geological Survey
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Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu Eruption Ties Historic Fountaining Record
Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu eruption has tied a historic record with 47 lava fountaining episodes, matching the 1983-1986 Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption. This fast-paced event features unique dual fountains and increased magma supply, with more activity expected.
Science & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentMediaFederal GovernmentEnvironmentDigital and Print Publishing KīlaueaHalemaʻumaʻuPu‘u‘ō‘ōLava FountainsVolcanoesUSGSHawaiiU.S. Geological Survey
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Kīlauea's Summit Fountaining Accelerates, HVO Refines Forecasts Using Ground Tilt
HVO uses ground tilt data to forecast Kīlauea's fountaining episodes, which are now occurring almost weekly. Smaller eruptions lead to quicker repeats, with episode 47 expected today, May 14, 2026.
Science & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentUSAEnvironmentFederal GovernmentSocial Issues KīlaueaVolcanic EruptionVolcano ForecastingHawaiian Volcano ObservatoryGround TiltMagmaHawaiiU.S. Geological Survey
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USGS Scientists Collaborate with El Salvador Experts on Volcanic Hazards
U.S. Geological Survey scientists collaborated with experts in El Salvador, a nation with over 200 volcanoes. The partnership involved field studies and a hazards workshop, providing mutual benefits for understanding volcanic activity in both regions.
Science & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentEl SalvadorFederal GovernmentEnvironmentEducationLatin America U.S. Geological SurveyVolcanoVolcanologyHazard AssessmentSanta Ana volcanoGeology
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Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Strikes Rat Islands in Alaska's Aleutian Chain
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake hit the Rat Islands region of Alaska's Aleutian Islands early on May 6, 2026. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the shallow quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Science & TechnologyWorldRussiaEnvironmentFederal GovernmentAsia EarthquakeNatural DisastersRat IslandsAleutian IslandsAlaskaU.S. Geological SurveySeismologyUSGS Earthquake Reports