Magnitude-4.0 Earthquake Near Maunaloa Road Unrelated to Volcanic Activity

A magnitude-4.0 earthquake occurred near Maunaloa exceeding 13 miles below sea level, unrelated to volcanic activity, with reports felt mostly in East Hawaiʻi.

A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck 11 miles west-northwest of Volcano on the Island of Hawaiʻi at a depth of 13 miles beneath the ocean surface. Occurring at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, the quake took place south of Maunaloa’s Northeast Rift Zone. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) has confirmed that this seismic event is not associated with any magmatic activity and reported that it did not affect either Maunaloa or Kīlauea volcanoes.

In the initial hour following the earthquake, approximately 130 individuals submitted felt reports via the USGS “Did You Feel It?” website. Residents particularly from East Hawaiʻi, including the Puna district, Hilo, and the Hamakua coast, as well as communities in North Kona and southern Kaʻū, indicated that they had sensed the tremor. The observational data suggests that the earthquake primarily elicited a noticeable reaction among the local populace without any significant geological repercussions.

Earthquakes in the region surrounding Hawaiʻi are not uncommon due to the dynamic geological processes at play, given the presence of active volcanoes such as Maunaloa and Kīlauea. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory routinely monitors seismic activities to assess volcanic hazards. The distinction made by the HVO between regular tectonic activities and those related to volcanic movements is crucial for both public safety and scientific understanding.

In conclusion, the 4.0 earthquake that occurred near Maunaloa Road was unassociated with any magmatic activities and did not pose a threat to local volcanoes, as confirmed by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The event was primarily felt by residents across various regions of East Hawaiʻi, highlighting the interconnectedness of local communities in experiencing seismic events. Seismic monitoring continues to be an essential component in ensuring public awareness and safety in volcanically active areas.

Original Source: mauinow.com