Volcano Watch: Focus on the National Volcano Information Service

“Volcano Watch” is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. Today’s article was written by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Systems Administrator Thomas-Jon Hoomanawanui.

National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System was first authorized in 2019 by U.S. Congress to be established within U.S. Geological Survey.

It serves as a critical framework for how U.S. Geological Survey monitors volcanic activities throughout the nation to provide timely warnings and protect citizens from all potential hazards associated with eruptions.

When fully implemented, the warning and mnitoring system will operate through an interoperable network of domestic volcano observatories. Central to its success will be the National Volcano Information Service, which aims to be the backbone for data management and analysis within the system.

National Volcano Information Service will be an indispensable component of National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System, integrating cutting-edge information technology solutions to ensure efficient monitoring, accurate data interpretation and effective communication of volcanic hazards.

It will be responsible for collecting, aggregating, storing and distributing vast amounts of volcano monitoring data including earthquake activity, ground deformation, gas emissions and other phenomena associated with volcanic unrest.

The information service aims to not only integrate data generated directly by volcano observatories (e.g., local instrumentation and on-the-ground measurements), but also satellite imagery provided by partner agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA.

For instance, several National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellites provide critical thermal imaging capabilities important for ash and hot spot detection, while satellite missions operated by NASA and other parties can provide detailed radar observations of volcanic terrains.

These technologies enable continuous monitoring of volcanic activity even in remote or hard to reach locations.

Integration of satellite data with future and existing ground-based sensors will ensure that National Volcano Information Service has a comprehensive view of volcanic conditions.

The information service’s IT systems will need to be robust, capable of ingesting and processing large data streams in real time, requiring sophisticated storage solutions and efficient database management systems.

It must employ advanced technologies to potentially use petabytes of information (equivalent to about a thousand terabytes or a million gigabytes), ensuring that historical data is preserved and accessible for analysis.

National Volcano Information Service will also leverage scalable cloud-based storage solutions, where applicable, given the exponential growth in data generated by increased volcanic monitoring efforts.

The success of National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System depends on the ability to distribute timely and accurate information to stakeholders. National Volcano Information Service will play a key role in ensuring that happens through user-friendly interfaces and standardized software tools.

Online platforms, for example, provided via the information service will be accessible to academic researchers, government agencies and even the general public.

By providing a common set of information systems and tools, National Volcano Information Service can enable scientists and decision-makers to work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. This collaborative environment is crucial for analyzing complex volcanic datasets and developing actionable insights.

One of the most significant contributions of IT to the success of the information service lies in its ability to support real-time analysis and predictive modeling.

National Volcano Information Service is expected to use statistical and machine learning algorithms to enable the processing of data streams, identifying patterns and forecasting potential volcanic eruptions with increased accuracy. These advanced analytical techniques allow scientists to detect subtle changes in volcanic behavior that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The integration of advanced IT solutions into National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System will be instrumental in transforming volcano monitoring into a cohesive national endeavor.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as satellite imaging, machine learning and remote collaboration tools, National Volcano Information Service improves the likelihood that volcanic threats are detected early and managed effectively.

Ultimately, the success of National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System will hinge on its ability to harness technological advancements for the benefit of public safety.

Through continuous innovation and collaboration, it aims to improve upon the already high-caliber volcano monitoring programs within the U.S. Geological Survey in a new era of technology, ensuring citizens are as protected as they can be from volcanic hazards.

As technology continues to evolve, so too will National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System and its reliance on advanced IT solutions.

These advancements will ensure National Volcano Information Service and National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System can fully transform scientific efforts into tangible benefits for society as an indispensable ally in the USGS’ ongoing efforts for a safer nation.

Volcano Activity Updates

Kīlauea volcano on the Big Island has been erupting episodically since Dec. 23, 2024, within its summit caldera. Its U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Alert Level remains at Watch.

The eruption continued during the past week, with Episode 17 of eruptive activity beginning the evening of April 7 and ending the morning of April 9.

Fountain heights of 50 to 200 feet were sustained at the south vent while minor activity occurred briefly at the north vent. Since the end of Episode 17, the summit region has showed inflation, suggesting another episode is possible.

Sulfur dioxide emission rates are elevated in the summit region during active eruption episodes. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Alert Level is at Normal.

No earthquakes were reported felt during the past week in the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Visit the volcano observatory’s website for past “Volcano Watch” articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake information and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.