Magnitude-4.0 Earthquake Near Maunaloa Road Unrelated to Volcanic Activity

A magnitude-4.0 earthquake occurred on November 30, near Volcano, Hawaiʻi, unrelated to volcanic activity. The tremor resulted in approximately 130 felt reports, but it did not impact the Maunaloa or Kīlauea volcanoes according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

On November 30, at 8:40 a.m., a magnitude-4.0 earthquake struck 11 miles west-northwest of Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, occurring at a depth of 13 miles beneath sea level. The tremor, located south of Maunaloa’s Northeast Rift Zone, has been confirmed by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory as unrelated to any magmatic activity. Reports indicated no discernible effect on either Maunaloa or Kīlauea volcanoes. In the hour following the earthquake, approximately 130 residents confirmed feeling it, with reports coming predominantly from East Hawaiʻi, including the Puna district, Hilo, the Hamakua coast, North Kona, and southern Kaʻū communities.

Hawaiʻi is known for its volcanic activity primarily due to its location over a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle. Earthquakes in this region can occur with or without relation to volcanic activities. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors seismic activities and assesses their potential connections to magmatic processes. This recent earthquake has raised awareness but clarified that it posed no risk regarding volcanic eruptions or changes.

In summary, the 4.0 magnitude earthquake recorded off the coast of Volcano, Hawaiʻi, was not associated with volcanic activities and did not impact Maunaloa or Kīlauea. The response from the public was significant, as many residents reported feeling the tremor; however, experts confirm that this seismic event stands alone without consequences for local volcanic behavior.

Original Source: mauinow.com