Seismic Swarm VS20140514.1: Analysis of Activity Near Volcano, Hawaii
Seismic swarm VS20140514.1 was recorded 5 km SSW of Volcano, Hawaii, on the Big Island. The sequence began at 03:32 on 13 May 2014 and concluded at 03:14 on 18 May 2014, spanning 119 hours and 41 minutes. During this period, 58 earthquakes were detected, with magnitudes ranging from 0.4 to 2.7 and focal depths primarily between 0 and 8 km.
The events clustered in time, showing elevated rates on 13–14 May before tapering. Shallow depths indicate sources within the upper volcanic edifice, consistent with magma migration or fluid movement beneath the surface. No events exceeded magnitude 3.0, limiting surface impacts but providing data on subsurface stress changes.
Hawaii lies above a mantle hotspot that has generated the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain over millions of years. The Big Island hosts active shield volcanoes, including Kilauea, whose south flank and summit regions experience frequent seismicity. Magma transport through rift zones and shallow reservoirs commonly produces swarms lasting days to weeks.
Historical records document 35 swarms in the area since 2000. Annual counts include three in 2000, one in 2001, eight in 2003, six in 2004, one each in 2005 and 2006, four in 2007, one in 2008, three in 2011, four in 2012, one in 2013, and one in 2014. These episodes reflect ongoing volcanic processes at Kilauea and neighboring systems.
Swarm VS20140514.1 fits this pattern of recurrent, low-magnitude activity tied to the island’s dynamic geology. Continued monitoring supports hazard assessment for the region’s communities and infrastructure.
References
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports on Kilauea seismicity
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park geological summaries
Global Volcanism Program database entries for Hawaiian activity