Kilauea is showing increased signs of activity, as the summit lava lake remains at a high level and continues to rise. VIDEO: Through historical photos of past Halema‘uma‘u eruptions and stunning 4K imagery of the current eruption, this 24-minute program tells the story of Kīlauea Volcano’s summit lava lake. Scientists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory report that the magma system beneath Kilauea’s Puu Oo cone has become increasingly pressurized, a fact that could lead to the formation of a new vent and lava flow. The interpretation of this according to the USGS is that a larger amount magma is currently being stored at shallow depths beneath the vent. The U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observations and measurements of the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō eruption on Kīlauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone during the past month suggest that the magma system beneath Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō has become increasingly pressurized. “If this activity continues, a new vent could form at any time, either on the Pu'u 'Ō'ō cone or along adjacent areas of the East Rift Zone.”

The USGS said similar episodes of inflation and uplift of the crater floor have occurred between May to June 2014 and May 2016. It said: “These episodes preceded the opening of new vents on Pu'u 'Ō'ō that produced the June 27th flow (active 2014-2016) and the 61g flow (active since 2016) respectively.” The location of new vent is impossible to predict, but the most likely scenario would be a new vent located on the cone of Pu'u 'Ō'ō or at its base. However the USGS said the cone is “extremely hazardous” as the vent could breakout anywhere and rapid lava flows would ensue.
The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory states that Kīlauea is showing unusually high activity and that a new vent could form.