Installation of Volcano Monitoring Instrumentation at Hawaii Volcano Observatory

DOSECC installed instrument packages containing borehole strain meters and three-component seismometers at three sites around Mauna Loa volcano on the Island of Hawaii using the CS-1500 in June and July 2000.  This project was funded by the Volcano Hazards Reduction program of the U. S. Geological Survey.  The overall objectives of the Mauna Loa Volcanic Hazards Monitoring Project were to: 1) obtain continuous high-precision strain, tilt, and ground velocity data in real-time under Kilauea; 2) provide continuous telemetry, analysis and display capability for the data at the Hawaii Volcano Observatory; and 3) relate deformation and seismicity (Long Period events) under both Kilauea and Mauna Loa to volcanic activity.  These data are essential for understanding activity in real-time and anticipating the scale and potential hazards of future activity.

The drilling objective was to core three holes on the flanks of the Mauna Loa Volcano from the surface to depths of 100 meters or greater for the installation of these monitoring instrument packages.  Using DOSECC’s CS-1500 wireline coring rig, continuous core was collected during the period from June 10 to July 9, 2000.  Maximum depths reached in each of the holes were 118 m, 130 m  and 112 m .  Instrument packages were installed in these holes and have been operational for some time. 

Data can be viewed in real time on the HVO web site. 

See DOSECC’s project brochure

See also more details on the HVO instrumentation packages.