Hawaiian Volcano Update: Kīlauea Eruption Pre-Ep 42 & South Flank Discovery - February 12, 2026

Описание: Kīlauea’s summit eruption remains paused, now 19 days following episode 41 as the volcano recharges for its next round, currently projected between February 13 and 17 based on current monitoring data. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has tracked the inflation of the volcano over the past week, interrupted and slowed by a day of deflation on Monday. Steady glow has returned to both vents with occasional spatter as evident in night-time webcam views, while daytime views show the return of trade winds accompanied by wet weather.

The National Weather Service forecasts trade winds are likely through early next week, which will hopefully reduce airborne impacts through the expected arrival of episode 42. Higher-than-usual emissions of around 5000 tonnes of SO2 per day have produced more vog, but the rainy weather and trades have limited its impact over the past week. Vog and tephra remain the most common hazards for island residents, and the usual precautions and preparations apply, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities – more information at https://vog.ivhhn.org/.

Our special presentation this week is “The tale of scientific observation and discovery as recounted by USGS scientist Don Swanson” by the USGS-HVO’s Deputy Scientist-In-Charge David Phillips, part of 2026 Volcano Awareness Month recorded on January 24 at the Kahuku unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This is the first of several segments we will present drawn from the “Remember Halapē” event recounting the magnitude 7.7 earthquake and local tsunami on November 29, 1975, today focused on the story of Don Swanson and colleagues’ discovery of Kīlauea’s mobile south flank.

Maunaloa continues its long-term post-eruption filling pattern, with the caldera slowly stretching and rising. As usual, we summarize the monitoring signals, imagery, and reports available courtesy of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, annotating the presentation on screen as we go and discussing live viewer questions.