Lava lake level as a gauge of magma reservoir pressure and eruptive hazard

Lava lake levels at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii, serve as a direct indicator of magma reservoir pressure, providing a novel tool for short-term forecasting of eruptive activity. The study found that fluctuations in the lava lake's surface height in Halema'uma'u Crater closely correlate with ground deformation and precede changes in eruption rates from Kīlauea's East Rift Zone. This relationship suggests that the lava lake acts as a simple piezometer, offering real-time insights into subsurface magma dynamics. By analyzing these short (hours to days) and long-term (weeks to months) variations, researchers can predict rift zone activity and associated hazards more effectively, enhancing volcanic hazard assessment at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Patrick, M. R., Anderson, K. R., Poland, M. P., Orr, T. R., & Swanson, D. A. (2015). Lava lake level as a gauge of magma reservoir pressure and eruptive hazard. Geology, 43(9), 831–834. https://doi.org/10.1130/g36896.1