The Italian Space Agency (ASI), in coordination with the CEOS WG Disasters has been continuously provided COSMO-SkyMed data for volcanic monitoring in Hawaii since 2012. COSMO-SkyMed radar images are properly combined to form “interferograms” that show ground deformations associated with earthquakes and volcanic activity in the area.

ASI is currently supporting the monitoring activities carried out by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) relating to the volcanic processes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The image shown below, represents a recent important outcome of the interferometric COSMO-SkyMed data processing carried out over the Kilauea volcano by the HVO for the period between 31st january and 1st february 2024.

In details, the image shows ground deformation during the recent intrusive activity at Kīlauea volcano. Unlike previous shared interferograms, note that this one is isolated to a one-day timeframe from 6 p.m. HST on January 31 through 6 p.m. HST on February 1, 2024. It therefore highlights the volcanic signals, with reduced interference from sources of data noise. Colored fringes denote areas of ground deformation, with more fringes indicating more deformation.  Each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of ground motion toward or away from the satellite (the direction of motion depends on the sense of color change).  The complex patterns indicate overall deflation of the summit area as magma moved underground to the southwest, where the patterns show uplift (up to about 50 centimeters, or 20 inches) and spreading (along with subsidence) due to intrusion of a dike (a vertical sheet of magma). Comparing this to the previous analeses shows that the dike intrusion moved farther to the SW, consistent with patterns of local seismicity.

Photo credit: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO)