Seismic Swarm VS20240517.1 Near Volcano, Hawaii

Seismic swarm VS20240517.1 was recorded 12 km SSW of Volcano, Hawaii, on the Big Island. The sequence began at 19:08 on 16 May 2024 and concluded at 19:49 on 21 May 2024, spanning 120 hours and 41 minutes. A total of 198 earthquakes were detected during this period. Analysis of the first 100 events reveals predominantly shallow focal depths, with the majority occurring between 0 and 3 km. A smaller number reached depths of 9–27 km. Magnitudes ranged from 0.2 to 3.0, with most events falling between 1.5 and 2.5. Notable larger events included three magnitude-3.0 earthquakes on 18 May at depths of 1 km, 1 km, and 0 km. The swarm displayed typical characteristics of volcanic seismicity, featuring repeated similar waveforms and clustered occurrence times, consistent with fluid or magma movement beneath the surface. The location places the swarm within the Kilauea volcanic system, one of the most active shield volcanoes on Earth. Kilauea’s geology is shaped by hotspot volcanism, where magma rises from the mantle through the Pacific plate. The region features rift zones, calderas, and frequent intrusions that trigger earthquake swarms. Historical monitoring shows that such swarms often precede or accompany eruptive activity, reflecting pressure changes in the magma reservoir. Seismic swarms have been a recurring feature in this area since 2000. Records indicate 99 swarms between 1 January 2000 and the present event. Annual counts vary, with notable increases in activity during 2018 (9 swarms), 2020 (9 swarms), 2023 (20 swarms), and 2021 (7 swarms). Earlier years such as 2003 and 2004 also recorded elevated numbers, reflecting the persistent volcanic dynamics of Kilauea. These patterns align with the broader geological history of Hawaii, where the interaction between the Hawaiian hotspot and the Pacific plate produces continuous volcanic and seismic unrest. Updated observations confirm that shallow swarms like VS20240517.1 are common indicators of subsurface magma migration along the East Rift Zone and surrounding areas.

• SeismoSight internal swarm classification data (VS20240517.1 parameters and event list)
• USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geological summaries on Kilauea volcanism and seismic monitoring