Scientists Concerned About Absence of Slow Slip Events on Kilauea’s South Flank: Is Another Eruption Imminent?

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) recently published an article titled “Volcano Watch: The Missing Slow Slip Events on Kilauea’s South Flank,” which addresses the absence of slow slip events (SSEs) in the south flank of the Kilauea volcano.

SSEs are slow and imperceptible movements of tectonic plates that occur over weeks or months, and they can be detected by GPS instruments. They are known to relieve stress and prevent earthquakes, but their absence in Kilauea’s south flank is a cause for concern.

The HVO has been monitoring Kilauea’s south flank since 2018, when the volcano experienced a series of significant eruptions. The HVO installed GPS instruments to monitor the volcano’s activity, but the instruments have not detected any SSEs in the south flank.

The article notes that the absence of SSEs in the south flank does not necessarily mean that a large earthquake or eruption is imminent. However, the HVO scientists are still concerned about the lack of activity in the area, as SSEs are essential for relieving stress and preventing earthquakes.

The HVO article highlights the need for continued monitoring of Kilauea’s south flank to understand the reasons behind the absence of SSEs. It also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and preparedness in the event of a volcanic eruption or earthquake.

In conclusion, the absence of SSEs in Kilauea’s south flank is a matter of concern for the HVO, and continued monitoring is necessary to understand the reasons behind the lack of activity. While it is unclear whether a large earthquake or eruption is imminent, public awareness and preparedness are crucial in the event of such an occurrence.