Volcano Watch: Lava, logs and loose cows; the wild job of HVO technicians
“Volcano Watch” is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. Today’s article is by field engineer Miki Warren.
One of the primary challenges technicians at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory face is the terrain itself—volcanic landscapes are notoriously difficult to navigate.
Technicians often hike for miles in remote areas with heavy equipment on their backs, across sharp ʻāʻā (rough, jagged lava) and fragile pāhoehoe (smooth, billowy surface lava) fields, with unstable rocky slopes as well as thick, tangled rainforests.
Access to some monitoring stations may require navigating through thick, tangled rainforests, off-road driving, boat rides, helicopter drops, or even snowshoeing over many meters of freshly fallen tephra.
Weather conditions present another layer of difficulty. High-elevation stations on Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea may expose technicians to freezing temperatures and strong winds, while lowland desert and rainforest sites may involve working in hot, humid conditions with sudden downpours and dense vegetation.
These extremes can impact not only comfort and safety but also the functionality of sensitive scientific instruments. Rain, ash, flora, and corrosive volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide can degrade solar panels, wiring, and sensors, requiring frequent maintenance.
Wildlife interactions are an often-overlooked hazard in Hawaiʻi. Though the islands lack large predators, they are home to a variety of feral animals that can surprise or even endanger field crews. Technicians sometimes encounter wild pigs, which can be aggressive if startled or if piglets are nearby. Herds of cattle or the occasional horse may also be encountered, especially in the upland forests or on ranch land.
These large animals can damage equipment or block access to remote sites, and their presence must be carefully managed to avoid injury or loss of gear. Even fencing doesn’t always keep the animals out.
Logistical challenges add to the complexity of the job, and equipment must be durable enough to withstand the harsh environment.
Once in place, stations require a stable power source, often in the form of solar panels and large batteries, which must be protected from both the elements and curious animals. Radio telemetry systems must be carefully aligned and tested, often under time pressure due to incoming weather, helicopter time constraints, or dwindling daylight hours.
Despite these obstacles and limited staff, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory technicians remain deeply committed to their work. Their efforts provide scientists with the data necessary to detect volcanic unrest, issue timely warning statements, and keep communities informed and prepared.
Each monitoring station, no matter how remote or difficult to reach, is an essential piece of a much larger system—one that helps safeguard lives and property on remote island chains shaped by their dynamic volcanic landscapes.
Volcano Activity Updates
U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Alert Level: Watch
Kīlauea has been erupting episodically within the summit caldera since December 23, 2024. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is WATCH.
Episode 33 lava fountaining ended on Friday, Sept. 19. Glow from the vents was observed overnight, especially from the south vent. The summit is reinflating, and models indicate that episode 34 is likely to start between September 28 and October 1. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Alert Level: Normal
Mauna Loa is not erupting.
Four earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. They are listed below:
- A magnitude-3.1 earthquake 5 miles south-southeast of Halaʻula at 19 miles depth occurred at 2:33 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24;
- A magnitude-3.1 earthquake 2 miles southwest of Pāhala at 19 miles depth occurred at 6:58 p.m on Sunday, Sept. 21;
- A magnitude-2.7 earthquake 1 mile southwest of Pāhala at 19 miles depth occurred at 8:02 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18;
- A magnitude-4.1 earthquake 1 miles southwest of Pāhala at 19 miles depth occurred on Thursday, Sept. 18.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Visit Hawaiian 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.
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