Magnitude-4.0 Earthquake Near Maunaloa Unrelated to Volcanic Activity

A magnitude-4.0 earthquake occurred near Volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 13 miles, confirmed as unrelated to magmatic activity. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported minimal impact on local volcanoes, with 130 residents reporting tremors shortly after the event was felt.

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck 11 miles west-northwest of Volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 13 miles beneath the surface. The event, which occurred at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, was located south of Maunaloa’s Northeast Rift Zone. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirmed that it was not linked to any magmatic activity and reported no discernible effects on either Maunaloa or Kīlauea volcanoes. During the initial hour following the quake, approximately 130 reports of tremors were submitted via the USGS “Did You Feel It?” platform, with residents in East Hawaiʻi, including districts such as Puna, Hilo, and the Hamakua coast, as well as North Kona and southern Kaʻū communities, reporting sensations of the earthquake.

Earthquakes in volcanic regions can oftentimes raise concerns regarding volcanic activity. However, a significant finding in the case of the recent 4.0 magnitude earthquake near Maunaloa is that it has been confirmed as unrelated to any volcanic processes. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which monitors seismic activities in the vicinity, plays a critical role in discerning the nature of such events. By analyzing seismic data, they are able to provide relevant insights that reassure the public regarding the safety and stability of surrounding volcanoes, such as Maunaloa and Kīlauea, after seismic events.

In summary, the 4.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred west-northwest of Volcano, Hawaiʻi, was not associated with any magmatic activity, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The earthquake, which generated a number of felt reports across East Hawaiʻi and other regions, has caused no impact on the local volcanoes, thus reducing public concern regarding volcanic threats. Monitoring agencies continue to scrutinize seismic activities to ensure community safety and awareness.

Original Source: mauinow.com