Hawaiian Volcano Update: Pre-Ep 41 & VAM Earthquakes, Kīlauea Summit Eruption - January 22, 2026

Описание: Earthquakes have increased under Kīlauea summit in the 10 days since the end of episode 40 of the ongoing eruption, “related to migrating magatic pressure within the summit region” according to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Also contributing is the growing pile of lava around the vents at the surface, over 530 feet or 160 meters in total since the start of the eruption 13 months ago, that requires increasing pressure for each episode to erupt. With each swarm of micro-seismicity over the past week, with events typically around magnitude 1, the volcano showed slight deflation, delaying its ongoing recharge. Although the uptick in seismicity brings up the possibility of a change in the eruption, “everything currently points to resumption of fountaining episodes rather than a change in vent location” according to the USGS-HVO. Models suggest episode 41 is likely to occur between January 23 and 25.

With earthquakes of special interest this week, our special presentation is part of the USGS-HVO’s 2026 Volcano Awareness Month, by UH-Hilo professor Dr. Thomas Lee.

Since the end of episode 40, both vents continue their typical degassing of 1,000 to 5,000 tonnes of SO2 per day. For the expected episode 41, 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/.

Maunaloa continues its long-term post-eruption filling pattern, with the caldera slowly stretching and rising, accompanied by earthquakes. Deeper earthquakes under the summit continue to occur over the past weeks. 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.