Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
The cascading origin of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and implications for future forecasting
M R Patrick1, B F Houghton2, K R Anderson3
1U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, 1266 Kamehameha Avenue, Suite A8, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA. mpatrick@usgs.gov.
Abstract:
The 2018 summit and flank eruption of Kīlauea Volcano was one of the largest volcanic events in Hawai'i in 200 years. Data suggest that a backup in the magma plumbing system at the long-lived Pu'u 'Ō'ō eruption site caused widespread pressurization in the volcano, driving magma into the lower flank. The eruption evolved, and its impact expanded, as a sequence of cascading events, allowing relatively minor changes at Pu'u 'Ō'ō to cause major destruction and historic changes across the volcano. Eruption forecasting is inherently challenging in cascading scenarios where magmatic systems may prime gradually and trigger on small events.
Related Concept Videos
Global Climate Change
Steps in Outbreak Investigation
Precipitation Processes
Precipitation and Co-precipitation
Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment
Washing, Drying, and Ignition of Precipitates

