Magnitude-4.0 Earthquake Near Maunaloa Road Unrelated to Volcanic Activity

A magnitude-4.0 earthquake occurred on November 30, 11 miles west-northwest of Volcano, Hawaiʻi, at a depth of 13 miles. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirmed it was unrelated to magmatic activity, with around 130 felt reports from residents, particularly in East Hawaiʻi and North Kona.

On Saturday, November 30, a magnitude-4.0 earthquake struck approximately 11 miles west-northwest of Volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi, occurring at a depth of 13 miles below sea level around 8:40 a.m. This seismic event transpired south of the Northeast Rift Zone of Maunaloa. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, it is important to note that this earthquake was not linked to any magmatic activity within the region. Furthermore, there were no significant repercussions observed on either Maunaloa or Kīlauea volcanoes following the tremor.

In the first hour after the quake, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded around 130 felt reports from residents in various areas. Locations such as East Hawaiʻi—encompassing the Puna district, Hilo, and the Hamakua coast—as well as the North Kona and Southern Kaʻū communities reported sensations of the earthquake. The heightened awareness in these regions underscores the community’s responsiveness to seismic activity in the area.

Earthquakes are common in volcanic regions, but they do not always correlate with volcanic activity. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory closely monitors seismic activity to differentiate between tectonic earthquakes and those associated with magma movements. Understanding the nature of earthquakes provides essential insights for residents, particularly in fragile regions such as Maunaloa and Kīlauea, which are known for their volcanic activity. This recent earthquake’s classification as unrelated to magmatic activity highlights the importance of accurate reporting and interpretation of seismic data in Hawaii.

In summary, the magnitude-4.0 earthquake near the top of Maunaloa Road was officially deemed unrelated to magmatic activity, with no adverse effects observed on the local volcanoes. The response from residents across multiple districts reflects heightened awareness of geological events in this seismically active region. Ongoing monitoring by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory remains crucial for public safety and information dissemination.

Original Source: mauinow.com