September 23, 2008 AFTER DARK IN THE PARK SERIES -

During his first year at USGS's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, geologist Matt Patrick has witnessed a lot of action.

In early 2008, increasing gas emissions, followed by explosions, opened a new vent in Halema'uma'u Crater. Easy to view, the new vent fascinates everyone with its dramatic gas cloud, night-time glow and fluctuations in activity.

Meanwhile, Kilauea's decades-long east rift zone eruption shifted to a new vent in July, 2007.

First a complex of shields formed around this fissure, and then lava poured downhill through Royal Gardens subdivision and entered the ocean at Waikupanaha in March, 2008. Amidst steam and explosions, new coastline grows, thrilling countless visitors.

Monitoring these two eruptions keeps Hawaii Volcano Observatory scientists busy with observation, computation, publication and cogitation.

Join Patrick to hear about recent results and ideas about Kilauea's exciting, ever-changing activity. 7:00 pm in Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawaii Volcanoes Nat'l Park.

Program co-sponsored by Hawai'i Natural History Association.

For information, call (808) 985-6014. Your $1.00 donation helps to support Park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

September 25, 2008