Wandering Around

PuuOo Crater, July 30, 2011

2011-07-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

USGS
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Friday, July 29, 2011 8:23 AM HST (Friday, July 29, 2011 18:23 UTC

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Activity Summary for past 24 hours: Kilauea volcano's activity is supplying two lava lakes and a lava flow advancing southwest from Pu`u `O`o crater. In the east rift zone, Pu`u `O`o Crater seems to be bursting at its seams: sources within Pu`u `O`o crater fed a lava lake perched in the middle of the crater floor that continued to be uplifted by a shallow pressure source; lava activity from sources outside the perched lake but within Pu`u `O`o Crater partially filled small pits on the west side of Pu`u `O`o crater and spilled over a short distance southwest. At the summit, the lava lake level was fairly stable with persistent southeast-to-northwest circulation. Seismicity levels were low. Gas emissions remained elevated from summit and rift zone vents.

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The lava lake level remained fairly stable. The circulation pattern remained toward the northwest spattering sink with a few other spattering spots making brief appearances around the edge.

The summit tiltmeter network recorded minor variations on a long-term trend of slowing inflation since July 22; a small but abrupt inflation step occurred about 11:30 am yesterday but did not coincide with any discernible change in the summit vent. The summit GPS network recorded steady long-term extension with a slight increase in rate after July 17. Seismic tremor levels were generally low. Thirteen earthquakes were strong enough to be located within Kilauea volcano - two beneath the area immediately west of the summit caldera, four within the upper east rift zone(including a preliminary magnitude-3.2 quake southeast of Pauahi Crater), six deep quakes within the lower southwest rift zone, and one north of the lower east rift zone.

The most recent (preliminary) sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 800 tonnes/day on July 27, 2011. Small amounts of ash-sized tephra, including fresh spatter bits, continued to be wafted within the plume and deposited on nearby surfaces.

Background: The summit lava lake is deep within a ~150 m (500 ft) diameter near-vertical cylindrical vent inset within the east wall and floor of Halema`uma`u Crater. The vent has been mostly active since opening with a small explosion on March 19, 2008.

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents: Uplift of the crater floor and perched lake continued but may have slowed. Lava in the Puka Nui and MLK pits (smaller craters to the west of the main Pu`u `O`o Crater), fed from sources along the southern edge of the crater floor, continued to spill out of both pits on the southwest side producing a tube-fed pahoehoe flow that has advanced about 700 m (2,300 ft) from the Puka Nui rim since Monday. Lava also continued to issue from sources along the base of the northeastern crater wall filling the trough between the wall and the perched lake but remained within the crater. Check our new webcams to view this activity.

The GPS network around Pu`u `O`o Cone recorded long-term extension since mid-April; more rapid extension was recorded across the crater since July 3 that was not recorded by nearby receivers outside the crater which is consistent with the action of a shallow pressure source beneath the crater floor that is clearly driving the multiple extrusion sources within the Crater. The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o Cone recorded continued weak deflation. Seismic tremor levels were low. The most recent (preliminary) sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 900 tonnes/day on July 27, 2011, from all east rift zone sources.

Background: The eruption of Kilauea's middle east rift zone started with a fissure eruption on January 3, 1983, and has continued with few interruptions through Pu`u `O`o Crater or vents within a few kilometers to the east or west.

Viewing Summary: East rift vents and flow field - The only lava erupting from Kilauea volcano's east rift zone is within Pu`u `O`o Crater and on the southwest flank of Pu`u `O`o Cone within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Access and viewing information can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm. Access via Kahauale`a Natural Area Reserve is closed by the state of Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources. Kilauea Crater - Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park access and viewing information can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm.

Hazard Summary: East rift vents and flow field - near-vent areas could erupt or collapse without warning with spatter and/or ash being wafted within the gas plume; potentially-lethal concentrations of sulfur dioxide gas may be present within 1 km downwind of vent areas. Kilauea Crater - explosive events are capable of ejecting rocks and lava several hundred meters (yards) from the Halema`uma`u vent; ash and Pele's hair can be carried several kilometers downwind; potentially-lethal concentrations of sulfur dioxide can be present within 1 km downwind.

Maps, photos, Webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.

A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php

Olympic National Park

2011-04-05T06:43:00.001-07:00

Olympic National Park, a set on Flickr.

We went traveling again, March 6, 2011

National Parks: Yellowstone National Park

2011-03-03T04:14:00.000-08:00

A really great video and nice audio with it.

East Lae'apuki Lava Delta Collapse

2011-02-15T04:45:00.000-08:00

Why you don't walk where you aren't supposed to - and even then - - -

Murie Ranch Inspiration

2011-02-15T03:44:00.000-08:00

Grand Teton National Park is now producing some nice videos about the park.

Tis a shame that most tourists just head for Yellowstone, watch Old Faithful and move on. They miss out on a lot.

High Speed Internet

2011-02-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

The president wants us to all have high speed internet. I would be happy if they just replaced the paper wrapped ariel in my neighborhood. If it rains or a bird walks on the link you get noise. The highest speed the local telco can promise is 5 meg - at a big cost. Wirelsss? I live on the wrong side of the hill - checking out the reception I found that the first little bar showed a tad.

Tent City Three

2011-01-25T04:18:00.000-08:00

The sad thing is that most of these neighbors value their privacy and consider themselves 'Christian'.

Just how would you feel to have 10 or 15 cameras watching you go to the bathroom or eat?

Bison in the Upper Basin

2011-01-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Monday Night’s Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try to take some photographs should the sky cooperate.

Here are some suggested settings for the camera.

All the times and f-stops are for 200 ISO, so you’ll have to adapt for other ISOs:

Full moon, or moon more than half visible: 1/60 sec. at f/16

Half to one-quarter of the moon visible: 1/30 sec. at f/16

Less than one-quarter of the moon visible: 1/15 sec. at f/16

Just the edge of the moon lit: 1 sec. at f/16

Fully eclipsed at beginning and end of totality: 4 sec. at f/5.6

Fully eclipsed, deepest totality: 8 sec. at f/5.

Troy and Nora

2010-12-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

Excitment, Beehive, December 12, 2010

2010-12-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

Beehive erupted at 0749 MST after almost 15 minutes of Beehive Indicator.

More Bison in the Snow, December 7, 2010

2010-12-08T03:22:00.001-08:00

Bison in the Upper Basin

2010-12-07T07:13:00.000-08:00

Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Pearl Harbor Address

2010-12-07T04:40:00.000-08:00

December 7, 1941 - A day which should not be forgotten.

Winter in Yellowstone with Bison

2010-12-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Beehive and Coyote, December 4, 2010

2010-12-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

Three Old Faithful Eruptions

2010-10-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

Old Faithful, August 20, 2010, Third Daylight

2010-10-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Old Faithful, August 20, 2010, Second Daylight

2010-10-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Old Faithful, August 20, 2010, First Daylight

2010-10-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Bread of Life Mission

2010-07-27T12:41:00.001-07:00

Bread of Life Mission, originally uploaded by Loisb.

For the truly down on their luck, there's the Bread of Life Mission, which offers 60 bunk beds on the third floor, 23 dorm-style rooms on the second and floor space in the chapel, for men only.

The bunk beds are free for the first two nights and $5 after that, said Keith Orr, who landed at the mission when he first came to Seattle from Tennessee two years ago.

The Little Duck Family

2010-05-10T12:33:00.001-07:00

The Little Duck Family, originally uploaded by Loisb.

Always cute and always a sure sign of spring. I may have to visit this little family more often.

It Must Be Spring

2010-05-06T13:09:00.001-07:00

It Must Be Spring, originally uploaded by Loisb.

When the locks start getting busy and the big boys come out to play you can tell it's springtime in the Northwest.

Balloons are Fun

2010-05-05T06:58:00.001-07:00

Ballons are Fun, originally uploaded by Loisb.

Birthday balloons are great things as this child will testify. So much fun.

The Night Before The Night Before

2009-12-23T18:33:00.001-08:00

The Night Before Christmas, originally uploaded by Loisb.

Santa and his Elves are still very busy getting ready for Christmas but let's not forget the reindeer. This one is busy filling his tummy in order to be ready for the long flight.

A Christmas Pine

2009-12-22T06:28:00.001-08:00

A Christmas Pine, originally uploaded by Loisb.

The tree is decorated, the lights are on, the sky is clear and cold. Just time for waiting now - and maybe a little last minute shopping.

Tis the season after all!

Dressing Up for the Holidays

2009-12-20T13:23:00.001-08:00

Dressing Up for the Holidays, originally uploaded by Loisb.

Considering the recent snow on the east coast, a little warmth should be given this Christmas.

One Tired Santa

2009-12-18T16:21:00.001-08:00

One Tired Santa, originally uploaded by Loisb.

Santa's days are getting long and he is tired but he will be ready for Christmas Eve. He still has a cheery greeting for everyone.

Christmas Window

2009-12-11T09:28:00.001-08:00

Christmas Window, originally uploaded by Loisb.

Tis the Season and its downright cold out. Time to bundle up.

And for those folks who are wishing for snow - stop it. Snow belongs in the mountains not down here.

2009-08-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

Health care reform is desperately needed. Sarah Palin is stirring up hate and discontent with half lies and lies. Check out the facts before you spread her words.

Beehive

2009-07-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

A Homebody

2009-06-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

Guess I am settling into retirement. My wandering lately is to the store and that not very often. Mowing the lawn is the exercise of choice. Summer is almost here, we had a few days of it this week. Maybe the grass will turn brown soon so that I can find another form of exercise.

Still haven't told many people of my retirement. I am enjoying the peace and quiet and non rushing about. I do have to do laundry more often now that I am in civilian clothes almost every day. I will admit to some days where I didn't even bother to get dressed. Seems I was more exhausted from my work schedule than I realized.

I did go play with my grandson the other day. We had a delightful time. He has discovered posing for the camera and that grandma has a digital camera. So the action is 'pose' then run over to grandma 'can I see'. Hard to believe he is going to be four soon.

The birthday season is upon my family. We have lots of happenings in June. I will probably be wandering again - at least as far as my eldest son's house.

And Away We Go

2009-05-27T04:14:00.000-07:00

Time has really flown by. Retirement came and is being enjoyed. A trip to Hawaii resulted in a wonderful time and many photos. Now to see what else life has to offer.

Spring sprung while I was away as well. I almost missed my lilacs blooming. The grass keeps growing and the cherry tree is reaching the sky. Time to have fun.

Redoubt Does It's Thing

2009-03-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

After watching the Redoubt cam along with following the Alaska Volcano Observatory, Redoubt is busy throwing stuff into the air. The latest just a few minutes ago. And I was watching the webcorder at the time. So interesting and so nice that lives are not really in danger for this one.

All of the other eruptions were during times I was either asleep or at work.

Photo by Dennis Anderson.

The other big news of the day, unreported by the world - I am retiring after next week. Five more clean uniforms, one more inventory, one more meeting, one more conference call.

Tonight is Earth Hour. Lights out around the world from 830pm to 930pm local time. I shall do my part. I will be in bed fast asleep long before then though I would like to take some photos. They are even going to turn out the Space Needle.

Redoubt seems to have gone back to resting for the moment and I believe I shall do the same. Lights out.

Time Flies When You are Having Fun!

2009-03-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

And time has certainly been flying by lately. And nothing much to show for it.

My living room has now received another coat of paint. The rest remains vacant. Remember the saying about the shoemakers child having no shoes - well the construction workers Mom has no floor. Everything is still piled up waiting.

We all thought that with the poor economy the middle son's work would slow down. They do remodels generally and not new construction. Seems like folks are fixing up still. Since they can't/don't want to sell their homes with values the way they are they are remodeling. Thus I wait.

I am having company in July, hopefully I will have a living room by then.

A large group of my online friends has joined Facebook. I finally gave in and joined up. I really wasn't ready for that learning curve but have at least gotten a couple of old photos posted to the group of old friends.

My brother and I continue visiting Old Faithful via the webcam. We have even seen wolves now besides the bison that seem to graze near the geyser on a semi-regular basis. One of the most interesting things is watching the people. They arrive early, some scrape the snow off the benches and sit, others just stand, waiting for Old Faithful to do its thing. We have watched them wait for over twenty minutes sometimes. Then after the first gush most of them leave. Those folks miss some of the best displays. Must be hurrying to the next spot so they can tell everyone back home all they saw. Some folks are really fun, the ones that find the cam and turn to wave at the folks back home. The skiers seem to use OF as a rest stop. And enjoy the view apparently.

I am starting to learn the names of the other geysers visible via that cam but OF remains a favorite. At least until Redoubt gets around to actually doing more than just blowing off steam.

Look close and you can see the wolf.

The Project

2009-02-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

It didn't start out as a really big event. I asked the middle son to get rid of the living room furniture. It was very early attic and as the term goes 'previously used'. By at least 4 other folks. Time for a change. I no longer need to be child and dog proof.

So he brings his truck over, dismantles the furniture, hauls it out and away. Then he says, Mom, I have some wood flooring left over from another job, would you like to have a new floor. Well of course i would. I have always planned to get rid of the old wall to wall once the kids were grown and I guess since the youngest is now 28 and they are all (finally) on their own, they are grown. So the next step is to rip out the wall to wall. He says - Mom there is wood floor under here. I always thought there was due to the age of my house - built slightly before dirt was invented. Alas, we discovered that sometime in the '50's concrete had been used to level the floor when they laid one of the various wall to wall's down. So we shall use his left over flooring. A load comes in to even out the temp so he can lay it. Another interesting event. The wood is not all the same color. Not to worry. We will make a pattern. 'We' being an editorial statement.

Mom, he says, the walls should be painted before I lay the floor. Okay. Same color please. I think he has been color blind all these years. The walls are now a light tan. Winter White they are not. Looks like the ceiling needs paint too Mom. Okay. But a lighter color please, it will make the ceiling look higher. And it does. Count one for Mom.

So now here I am. Walls and ceiling painted, no furniture, and no flooring. No curtains on the windows of course since 'we' had to paint. Lot's of plastic though and that blue tape they use now to mask the trim. The son had to go back to working his real job.

And all I wanted was the old furniture hauled away.

I'm Tired of Being Cold

2009-01-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

I was being sorry for myself today. It's been gray, cold and raining for days now. No wandering around, only trips back and forth to work, then I read some of Freestyle Volunteer's blog about tent city. At least I am in a house with a roof over my head and dry. And my basement only has a little water in it, not enough to mop out even really.

Tent city used to be in our church parking lot. Now it's down the street in another church's parking lot. I am not sure why the last move. Lots of discussion online about them moving in but nothing about why they moved out, just that they moved. I was so proud of my church for having them but now I wonder just what happened.

I work on Sundays so its hard to keep up with Church news. I used to maintain the church website and got to read everything that I uploaded and thus felt like I was contributing and also keeping up with things. But a decision was made to get a paid website and hire someone to create it. Such is the way things go. I guess that the folks who hire me to create their websites probably have someone in house that could do it for them too - think the Bible says something about that.

Before I wander too far here I guess I shall get some work done on one website that is in need of updating and remind myself not to whine. I have much to be grateful for. The rain will pass, my house is dry, and the world around me is okay. Soon it will be spring.

Not Much Wandering

2008-12-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

With the snow having fallen all around and the ice covering everything only necessary travel has been done. Our clever city has decided that plowing and salting are not good things so we drove though ice and snow and ruts and lumps and said not nice things, especially considering the season. Eleven days of freezing temps and finally the rains have returned and we are once again above freezing. Not warm mind you - but above freezing.

A quiet and lovely Christmas was enjoyed here in Ballard. A nice brunch with all the family, driving home though the snow but before it really froze the streets again. Safe and sound. The littlest bug was the hit of the day of course and the center of attention.

www.flickr.com

Once again my car is at home, no more hiking up and down the hill on the ice. I promise to enjoy the week of rain that is coming.

I Turned My Back and Look at This

2008-12-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

Such a deal, a week of freezing temps and continuing snow. Now is the time I wish I was retired.

Tis the Season

2008-12-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

Tis indeed the season - the season for shopping, visiting family, sharing and listening to Christmas music.

Our mornings are dark as I wander my way to work in the mornings. The afternoons are dark as I wander my way back home. And the shortest day of the year is not yet here.

But here we are, not much more than a week away from Christmas so

Sunset at Ocean Shores

2008-11-21T14:28:00.000-08:00

Though I am always up early once in awhile I can stay up until at least sunset.

I hope you enjoy this lovely evening at the shore as much as I do.

And Away We Go

2008-11-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

We travel in real time and in virtual time. Here we will share some of each.

The internet offers so many possibilities and somehow we like to try as many as we can. Often on the news and in the newspapers we read that old folks don't understand the new technology and don't know how to use it. Just who do these kids think invented all this?

We are here to tell you - us old folks started it all and are happy to let you use what we invented.

So join in the fun and read along as we wander this fine world.