Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

1957 Quarterly Administrative reports

Introductory Note By Thomas L. Wright and Jennifer S. Nakata

Compiled By Jennifer S. Nakata

Summary 5

January, February, and March 1957

By Jerry P. Eaton and George D. Fraser

Summary 6

April, May, and June 1957

By Jerry P. Eaton and George D. Fraser

Summary 7

July, August, and September 1957

By Jerry P. Eaton and George D. Fraser

 Summary 8

October, November, and December 1957

By Jerry P. Eaton and George D. Fraser

Open-File Report 2007-1317

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Mark D. Myers, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia 2007

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endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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INTRODUCTORY NOTE

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Summaries have been published in the current format since 1956. The Quarterly 

Summaries (1956 through 1973) and the Annual Summaries (1974 through 1985) were originally published as Administrative Reports. These reports have been compiled and published as U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Reports. 

The quarterly reports have been combined and published as one annual summary. All the summaries from 1956 to 

the present are now available as .pdf files at http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod.

The earthquake summary data are presented as a listing of origin time, depth, magnitude, and other location parameters. Network instrumentation, field station sites, and location algorithms are described. Tilt and other deformation 

data are included until Summary 77, January to December 1977. From 1978, the seismic and deformation data are 

published separately, due to differing schedules of data reduction. 

There are eight quarters—from the fourth quarter of 1959 to the third quarter of 1961—that were never published. 

Two of these (4th quarter 1959, 1st quarter 1960) have now been published, using handwritten notes of Jerry Eaton 

(HVO seismologist at the time) and his colleagues. The seismic records for the remaining six summaries went back to 

California in 1961 with Jerry Eaton. Other responsibilities intervened, and the seismic summaries were never prepared.

Chronology

The following Kïlauea eruption chronology covers the two recent reports and the six missing quarters:

Location Beginning Date Ending Date Comment

Kïlauea Iki crater (Kïlauea’s summit) 11/14/1959 12/20/1959 19 eruptive episodes

Kapoho (lower east rift zone) 1/13/1960 2/18/1960 4 eruption stages

Halemaumau (Kïlauea’s summit) 2/24/1961 2/24/1961 Intermittent activity during 

uninterrupted inflation following the 1960 eruption

Halemaumau (Kïlauea’s summit) 3/22/1961 3/25/1961 Same as above.

Halemaumau (Kïlauea’s summit) 7/10/1961 7/17/1961 Same as above.

Heiheiahulu (middle east rift zone) 9/22/1961 9/25/1961 First historical east rift eruption at this location

The 1959-1960 eruptions were among two of the most spectacular Kïlauea eruptions. The HVO staff was kept busy 

with acquisition of unusually high quantities of instrumental data and observations of the two sequences, which 

were separated by less than one month. Even with a year’s interval before the beginning of the summit-east rift sequence in 1961, the staff never caught up, and the seismic records were set aside for later study. 

A total of 1,672 earthquakes—1,106 for 1960 and 566 for 1961—are part of HVO’s cataloged database. The annual 

listings have been appended to the 1st Quarter Report of 1960 and to the 4th Quarter Report for 1961. The number of 

earthquakes is probably low, biased toward the larger magnitudes. The entire HVO catalog, including 1960 and 1961, 

is accessible from the ANSS CATALOG SEARCH site at http://www.ncedc.org/anss/catalog-search.

 Thomas L. Wright and Jennifer S. Nakata 
UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY

SUMMARY 5

January-March 1957

By

J. P. Eato11. and George D. Fraser

Contour interval 1,000 feet

Dafum is mtton

Topography by U.S. Geologicol Survey

Cope

Kumukohl

N

J

I. Hawoiion Volcono Observotory

2. Whitney Laborotory of Seismology

3. Uwekahuno seismogroph station

4. Headquorters Hawoii Notional Park

to

.. Seismograph .tation

a City, town, or villaQe

lC Locolity

. Road

Map of the Island of Hawaii, showing location of the Hawaiian

Volcano Observatory, seismograph stations operated by the

observatory, and localities mentioned in text.
·).

: J

, ,.
Mar. 30

U iP 09:24:04.3 d

Tmax 10:02:43

H Tmax 10:00: 10

52 N., 175 W., 09:17:00

Mar. 31

U eP 10:15:46

eL 10:25:31

Tmax 10:55:00

H 10:52:45

N., 178 W., 10:08:28

o

12 INT .-DUP. SEC .• "ASH .• D.C... 2170

PREFATORY NOTE

This summary of observations made at the Hawaiian Volcano

Observatory is published for the use of volcanological and seismological observatories and others interested in the data at intervals more

frequently than once a year•. Heretofore this material was available

in The Volcano Letter, published by the University of Hawaii, but

discontinued with issues number 529 and 530, July-December, 1955.

Those who wish to receive this summary should request inclusion on

the mailing list from the Director, U. S. Geological Survey, Washington 25, D. C.

1. Summary of volcanic conditions

January

The swarm of tiny earthquakes which has been emanating from

Kilauea caldera since July, 1956, continued into 1957. Of the

490 earthquakes recorded by the Sprengnether seismograph at

Uwekahuna during the month, 360 originated at moderate depths

beneath the caldera on January 12, 13, and 14. Most of the others

Were from shallow foci in or near the caldera.

Four earthquakes were reported felt on Hawaii during January.

At 9:26 p. m. on January 6 an earthquake from an epicenter near

the northeast rim of Kilauea caldera was felt at Hawaii National

1
quake in Kona on January 6 was

l Kona at 8:45 a. ffi. The largest

he month originated seven km east

flank of Mauna Loa at 12:54 p. m.

m Kilauea caldera to central Kona.

nter in Kona was felt by several

p. m. on January 22.

at. the Whitney station was marked

utherly tilting normal for January.

ring the month was only slightly

bruary

recorded on the Sprengnether seis

sed to 525 for February. Almost

very small and stemmed from shal

dera.

month, which was felt near Kilauea

riginated 7 km west of Apua Point

ry 11 at 2:03 p. m. An earthquake

ruary 23 was felt by many people

ce recorded at the Whitney station

ction normal for this season, but

h of that expected for February.

March

Kilauea caldera raised the number

the Sprengnether seismograph at

These earthquakes, half of which

were predominantly from extremely

dera.

ated 10 km beneath the sea 25 km

57 a. m. on March 13 was felt just

slightly larger earthquake with a

west of Uwekahuna which occurred

not reported felt.

the northeast rim of the caldera

al for March was entirely absent.

which was normal in direction but

ount was recorded.

2

MaT. 23

U iP 05:24:20.2 d

H iP 05:24:18.1 d

S.,. 131 E., 05:12:31

Magnitude 7

MaT. 23

H Tmax 09:35:33

MaT. 23

U eP 13:31:33

N., 179 W., 13:24:33

MaT. 23

HTmax 22:51:18

MaT. 23

U eP 07:36:33 c

Tmax 08:15:50

H Tmax 08:·13:33

51 N., W., 07:29:15

MaT. 24

U eP 08:29:38.3 c

eL 08:38:44

Tmax 09:09:13

H eL 08:39:33

Tmax 09:07:41

51 N., 130 W., 08:22:23

Magnitude 6-7

MaT. 24

U iP 11:13:00.5 d

Tmax 11:50:45

H Tmax 11 :48:43

N., W., 11:06:10

MaT. 24

U iP 11:43:47.0 d

eL 11:53:03

Tmax 12:21:03

H eP 11:43:36

Tmax 12:19:15

N., W., 11:36:50

MaT. 24

H Tmax 14:37:59

MaT. 25

U eP 00:46: 17."1 c

Tmax 01:23 :57

H Tmax 01:21:48

53 N., 168 W., 00:39:22

MaT. 25

H Tmax 01:47:28

52 N., 176 W., 01:03:59

MaT. 25

U eP 14:20:26.6

54 N., W., 14:13:33

MaT. 26

H Tmax 02:53:04

54 N., W., 02:10:15

MaT. 26

HTmax 03:37:14

51 N., 177X W., 02:47:50

MaT. 26

U iP 16:09:01.1 d

N., 180 W., 16:01:53

MaT. 28

H Tmax 18:04:44

MaT. 28

U eL 20:29:24

51 N., 171X W., 20:08:20

MaT. 29

U iP 05: 17:24.8 d

is 05:22:59

eL 05:25:29

Tmax 05:54:46

H eP 05:17:15

eS 05:22:29

eL 05:24:26

Tmax 05:52:47

53X N., 167 W., 05:10:28

11
Mar. 21

U iP 12:38:25.2 d

H eP 12:38:14

Tmax 13: 13 :52

52 N., 171 W., 12:31:30

MaT. 22

H Tmax 00: 18:32

MaT. 22

U iP 14:28:03.7 c

i 14:28:14.6 d

'is 14:33:37

eL 14:37:06

Tmax 15:05:55

H eP 14:27:49

eS 14:33:05

eL 14:34·:47

Tmax 15:03:39

54 N., 166 W., 14:21:06

Magnitude 7

Mar. 22

U eP 14:40:01.5 c

Tmax 15 :17:25

H Tmax 15:15:16

54 N., W., 14:33:13

Mar. 22

U eP 17:16:39.0

Tmax 17:54:32

H Tmax 17:52:15

N., 171 W., 17:09:51

Mar. 22

U eL 20:00:02

eT 20:25:21

iT 20:26:04

Tmax 20:26:20

H eT 20:25:49

Tmax 20:26: 18

. 37.9 N., 122.6 W., 19:44:22

Magnitude

Mar. 23

H Tmax 00:56:43

10

.('

2. Earthquakes recorded on the Bosch-Omori seismograph in

the Whitney Laboratory of Seismology, on the northeast rim

of Kilauea caldera.

Week

Minutes Moder- Local of Very Feeble Slight Strong Total seIS- beginning tremor ate micity*

Dec. 30 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3.00

Jan.

G 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 3.25

13 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 2.00

20 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 1.00

27 1 6 0 0 0 0 7 3.25

Feb. 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 6 2.25

10 4 6 0 0 1 0 11 6.00

17 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 1.50

24 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 1.50

Mar. 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 1.00

10 0 4 2 0 0 0 6 4.00

17 8 2 0 0 0 0 10 3.00

24 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 1.75

* Local seismicity is an arbitrary value. Each local earthquake is

a seismicity value according to its strength, as follows:

tremor, 0.25; very feeble, 0.5; feeble, 1.0; slight, 2.0; moderate, 3.0;

strong, 4.0. These values are totaled to give the weekly local seismicity. Continuous volcanic tremor is ignored in the calculation. . The

strength assigned to. the earthquake depends on the double amplitude

of the maximum oscillation it causes on the Bosch-Omori seismograph,

as follows: Tremor, less than 0.5 mID; very feeble, 0.5 to 4 mm; feeble,

4 to 11 mm; slight, 11 to 25 mID; moderate, 25 to 60 mm; strong, greater

than 60 mID.

3. Table of tilt at seismograph stations on the rim of Kilauea

caldera.

WhItney statIon Uwekahuna statIon

Week (northeast rim) (west rim)

beginning Direction* Amount Direction Amount (seconds of are) (seconds of arc)

Dec. 3D

N 56\JW 0.4 ----.---.---------- 0

Jan. 6 N 45°

E 1.0

N 76°W 1.3

13 S 58°

W 1.1

W 0.5

20 S 53°

E 0.6

N 72°

E 0.3

27

N 76°W 0.5

W 0.3

Feb. 3 N 72°

E 0.4

w 0.6

10 S 27°

E 0.3

N 18°W 0.5

17 45°W 0.5

N 57°

E 0.5

24 S 50°

W 0.9 S 45°

E 0.9

Mar. 3 N 9°W 0.7

E 0.2

10 S 45°

W 0.2

N 51 Ow 0.8

17 S 56°

E 0.4 S 18°

W 0.5

24·

N 53°W 0.6

E 0.5

* Note: In some previous issues, some unconventional expressions of

direction were used, i.e.,

E 18° N, or

W 18° N.

The directions are correct as stated·, and not typographic errors.

3
ARTHQUAKES

local earthquakes were determined

ands of Hawaii and Maui operated

ervatory. Except for smaller earth

nly earthquakes classed as slight

he list. The intensity ratings are

mograph at the Whitney Laboratory.

extended empirically to permit its

d Sprengnether seismographs. The

e are: date, origin time (Hawaiian

he nearest station, epicenter, and

the Whitney Laboratory. Northeast

auea caldera. Felt by a few people at

tional Park headquarters.

una Loa. Ten km southwest of the

a seismograph station at a shallow

alakekua Central Kona. Felt by

central Kona.

Mauna Loa. Seven km eastof Anipeahi

w depth. Felt from Kilauea caldera to

gnitude 4.3.

alakekua. Central Kona. Felt by sev

e in central Kona.

alehu. At sea south of Hawaii 35 km

hwest of Naalehu at a depth of about

Uwekahuna. Seven km west of Apua

depth of 15 km. Felt: in the vicinity

caldera and central Kona. Magni

Kealakekua. Central Kona. Felt by

le in central Kona.

Mauna Loa. Five km southwest of

Loa seismograph station at a depth

aalehu. Five km north of Naalehu.

at Uwekahuna. Twenty-five km south

pua point at a. depth of about 10 km.

Kilauea caldera. Magnitude 3.5.

ekahuna. Five km west of Uwekahuna

of 30 km. Magnitude 3.8.

na Loa. Seven km south of the Mauna

ograph station at a depth of 5 km.

EARTHQUAKES

of distant origin were recorded. on

n Volcano Observatory on Hawaii

4

Mar. 13 Mar. 14

HTmax 08:05:57

U iP 15:58:06.3 c

52 N., 178 W., 07:21:54 N., W., 15:51:00

Mar. 13 Mar. 15 , HTmax 09:50:42

U iP 02:58:59.4 d

:1 N., 170 W., 09:09:34 is 03:04:33 eL 03:07:37 Mar. 13 Tmax 03:36:28

U iP 15 :49:17.4 d H eP 02:58:36

is 15:55:04 eL 03:06:12

eL 15:58:52 Tmax 03:34:28

Tmax 16:28:50 53 N., 167 W., 02:52:08

H eP 15:49:05.8 Magnitude

eL 15 :56:50 Mar. 16 Tmax 16:20: 17

N., 179 W., 15:42:05

U eP 02:41 :30.2 d

i 02:41:47.7 d Magnitude 6% is 02:47: 15

Mar. 13 eL 02:51:01 Tmax 03 :21 :20

U eP 20:06:45

H eP 02:41:17 eS 20:11:40 eS 02:46:43 eL 20:15:10

eL 02:49:08 Tmax 20:43:48

Tmax 03:18:46

HTmax 20:42:03 52 N., 179 W., 02:34:12

54 N., 166 W., 19:59:23 Magnitude 6%-7

Mar. 14 Mar. 17

U eL 02 :10: 16

U eL 08:21

N., 169 W., 01:52:16 51 N., 179 W., 07:53:51

Mar. 14 Mar. 17

UTmax 04:20:13 UTmax 12:14:42

HTmax 12: 12:39

Mar. 14

N., 167 W., 11:30:07

HTmax 11:16:38

Mar. 17

" Mar. 14

U eP 16:23:58 d

U iP 14:54:48.1 d eL 16:32:54

is 15:,00:41

H eL 16:32: 13 eL 15:04:25

Tmax 15:33:44 5 N., 166 W., 16: 17: 13

H eP 14:54:36

Mar. 17 eS 15:00:13

eL 15:02:06

U eP 22 51 39.6 c

eS 22 57 15 Tmax 15:31:38 eL 23 00 54

N., 177 W., 14:47:45 Tmax 23 29 12

Magnitude

9
(Uwekahuna, U, 19 0 25.4 1 N, 155 0 17.6' W, 1240m) and

(Haleakala, H, 20 0 46.0' N, 156 0 15.0 W, 2090m). Beginnings

of phases are given in Greenwich civil time, which is 10 hours

faster than Hawaiian standard time.

A ftc" following the time

of

P indicates that the first motion was a compression; a ftd",

that it was a dilatation. Locations of epicenters, origin time s,

focal depths, and magnitudes are from the notices of Preliminary

Determinations of Epicenters published by the U. S. Coast and

Geodetic Survey.

Mar. 12

HTmax 03:04:57

53 No, W., 02:22:57

Mar. 12

t U iP 07:35:43.6 c is 07:41:21

eL 07:44:35

Tmax 08: 13 :56 4J

H eL 07:43:27

Tmax 08: 11:42

N., W., 07:28:40

Magnitude

Mar. 12

U eP 07:46:25.7 c

Tmax 08:25:48

HTmax 08:23:33

52 No, 178 W., 07:39:17

Magnitude

Mar. 12

U eP 11:51:54.4 c

e 11:52:04 c

is 11:57:40

eL 12:01:20

Tmax 12:31 :06

H eP 11:51:47

eS 11:57:28

eL 11:59:43

Tmax 12:29:03

51 N., 177 W., 11 :44:50

Magnitude

Mar. 12

U eP 12:53:07.0 c

Tmax 13:30:32

HTmax 13:28:22 'I

53 N., W., 12:46:12 f , Mar. 12

HTmax 20:43:07

Mar. 13

U iP 02:55:13.1 d

eL 03:03:45

Tmax 03:32:45

52 N., W., 02:48:20

8

Jan. 2

U eP 00:46:13.0 c

is 00:51 :48

eL 00:54:48

530 N., W., 00:39:22

Magnitude

Jan. 2

U eP 02:24:26.8 c

is 02:29:58

eL 02:33:00

H Tmax 03:00:06

N., 168 W., 02:17:35

Magnitude 6%

Jan. 2

U eP 03:19:42.8 c

is 03:25: 16

eL 03:28:32

H eL 03:27:13

Tmax 03:55:32

53 N., 168 W., 03: 12:52

Magnitude 7

Jan. 2

U eP 03:55:37.7 c

eS 04:01:13

H eL 04:04;58

Tmax 04:31 :01

53 N., 168 W·., 03:48:44

Magnitude

Jan. 2

U eP 04:10: 18

N., 169 W., 04:03:26

5

Jan 2

U eP 10:56:25.0

eS 11:01:56

eL 11:04:56

H eL 11 :04:40

N.; 168 W., 10:49:32

Jan. 3

U eP 00:47:58

53 N., 168 W., 00:41:02

Jan. 3

U iP 12:58:17.6 c

eS 13:06:19

H eP 12:58:08.6

44 N., 130 E., 12:48:27

Magnitude 7. Depth about 600 km.

Jan. 9

U iP 07:59:56.2 c

eS 08:05:22

eL 08:08:37

H eL 08:07:15

53 N., W., 07:52:56

Magnitude

Jan. 17

U eP 22:36:28.7 c

33 N., 137X E., 22:26:10

Jan. 25

U iP 03:43:56.4 d

eL 03:53:35

Tmax 04:22:58

H Tmax 04:20:27

N., 177 W., 03:36:47
6

Feb. 21

U eP 14:36:58.0 c

53 N., 171 W., 14:30:06

Magnitude 6%. Depth about 100 km.

Feb. 23

U eP 20:38:03.5 d

H eP 20:38:01.9

eL 21:03

24 N., 122 E., 20:26:12

Magnitude

Mar. 9

U iP 14:29:29.3 c

1 14:29:47.1 c

Tmax 15:09:19

H eP 14:29:06.0

Tmax 15:06:45

51 N., 175 W., 14:22:27

Magnitude Tsunami

Mar. 9

U P 14:39:29

Tmax 15: 17:43

H Tmax 15: 15:40

Mar. 9

U eP 15 :48:48.7

Tmax 16:26:29

H Tmax 16:25:55

N., 177 W., 15:41:50

Mar. 9

H Tmax 16:59:55

Mar. 9

H Tmax 17:29:40

N., 174 W., 16:45:26

Mar. 9

H Tmax 18:40:10

Mar. 9

H Tmax 20:20:30

N., 173 W., 19:37:31

Mar. 9

U iP 20:46:08.4 d

is 20:51:42

eL 20:54:35

Tmax 21:23:35

l!

H eP 20:45:58

eL 20:53:21

Tmax 21:21:44

N., W., 20:39:15

Magnitude

Mar. 9

HTmax 22:16:55

Mar. 9

HTmax 22:38:55

53 N., 168 W.,. 21:56:24

Mar. 10

HTII;\ax 01:15:55

Mar. 10

HTmax 02:26:05

Mar. 10

U iP 03:13:11.4 d

eS 03:18:46

eL 03:22:14

H eP 03:13:05

Tmax 03:49:10

52 N., 176 W., 03:06:02

Magnitude 61':r6%

Mar. 10

U iP 03:15:59.5 c

Tmax 03:53:09

HTmax 03:51:55

N., 174 W., 03:08:55

Mar. 10

HTmax 05:13:10

Mar. 10

H Tmax 08:12:40

52 N., 176 W., 07:23:18

. Mar. 10

H Tmax 10:57:25

Mar. 10

U eP 11:27:36

is 11:33: 12

eL 11:38:52

Tmax 12:05:19

H Tmax 12:03:05

52 N., 171 W.,

Mar. 10

U eP 12:42:55.0

eL 12:51:18

Tmax 13:21 :31

51 N., 171

W 12:36:04

Mar. 10

U eP 13:17:43.6

Tmax 13:56:38

H Tmax 13:55:25

N., 180 W., 13: 10:13

Mar. 10

U eP 13:35:51.1

eL 13:45:11

Tmax 14:15:16

H Tmax 14:12:15

51 N., 179 W., 13: 28:30

Mar. 10

H Tmax 14:32:55

Mar. 10

U eP 15:33:18.3

is 15:38:55

eL 15:42:21

Tmax 16: 11: 15

H Tmax 16:08:45

52 N., 173 W., 15:26:23

Magnitude 6%

·Mar. 10

U eP 16:46:43.0

Tmax 17:23:45

H Tmax 17:22:30

N., W., 16:37:45

7
,.fl·.'

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IJ

UNITED STATES

OF THE INTERIOR

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY

SUMMARY 6

April-Jul.le 1957

By

J. P. Eatol.'l and George D. Fraser

N

J

.. Seismograph Itotlon I Hawollan Volcano Observolory

D City, town,or vil1098 2. Whitney Laboratory of seismology

x Locality 3. Uwekahuno seismograph station

19.. Rood 4. Heodquarters Hawaii Nationol Pork

Contour intervoll,OOO feet

Kolae (South) Point Datum is mM/n

Topooraphy by U.S. Geological Survey

Map of the Island of Hawaii, showing location of the Hawaiian

Volcano Observatory, seismograph stations operated by the

observatory, and localities mentioned in text.
( (

..

I

;j

:

'9
)

)

T

,

)

)

PREFATORY NOTE

This summary of observations made at the Hawaiian Volcano

Observatory is published for the use of volcanological and seismological observatories and others interested in the data at intervals more

frequently than Once a year. Heretofore this material was available

in the Volcano letter, published by the University of Hawaii, but

discontinued with issues number 529 and 530, July-December, 1955.

Those who wish to receive this summary should request inclusion on

the mailing list from the Director, U. S. Geological Survey, Washington 25, D. C.

1. Summary of volcanic conditions

April

The Sprengnether seismograph at Uwekahuna recorded 590

earthquakes during April as seismic activity at Kilauea continued

at a high level. Almost all these earthquakes were very small

and originated at shallow depths in or near Kilauea caldera.

The earthquake that was felt in Kamuela at 10:29 p.m. on

April 5 originated near Kamuela. Hawaii's largest earthquake

for the month occurred just south of Kilauea caldera at 9:58 a.m.

on April 6. It was felt in the vicinity of the caldera.

At the Whitney station on the northeast rim of Kilauea caldera,

gentle northeasterly tilting of the earth's surface prevailed

during April instead of the moderate southwe sterly tilting normal

for the month. This evidence for tumescence of the summit of

of Kilauea was supported by the northwesterly tilting recorded

at Uwekahuna on the west rim of the caldera.

May

Seismic unrest at Kilauea continued through the first three

weeks of May. The Sprengnether seismograph at Uwekahuna

recorded 705 earthquakes during the month. As in previous

months, most of these earthquakes were very small and originated

at shallow depths in or near Kilauea caldera.

1
ed about 5 km southwest of Pahala

elt at Kapapala. The largest earth

aii was felt from Hilo to Kapapala

originated about 5 km south of the

tion. At 10:53 on May 18 a few

n earthquake that stemmed from the

uake from a focus 35 km deep and

na was felt from Kilauea caldera to

. This earthquake marked the end

of shallow earthquakes at Kilauea

face outward from Kilauea caldera

and Whitney stations during April

of the first week in May. F or the

stations recorded a moderate tilting

June

recorded by the Sprengnether seis

June. This is the smallest number

nce February 1956.

the northeast rim of Kilauea ,caldera

nity of the caldera at 6:41 a.m. on

kes were felt at Capt. Cook during

urred at 12:36 a.m. on June 9; the

ne 20. The largest earthquake of

north of Naalehu at 11:00 p.m. on

as felt.

derate southwesterly tilting of the

he moderate northwesterly tilting

the Bosch-Omori seismograph in

of Seismology, on the northeast

Moder- Local 

Slight ate Strong TOtal selS- 

micity *

1 0 0 4 3.25

0 0 0 0 0.00

0 0 0 18 5.00

0 0 0 13 5.25

1 0 0 39 14.75

2

(

(

(

(
June 23,

U eL 03:45:39

Tmax 04:18:05

H Tmax 04:16:42

N, 1370 W, 03:27:02

Magnitude

June 24,

U iP 09:59:42.7

16° IN, 94° W, 09:49:47

June 27,

U eP 00:21:01.7 d

eS 00:30:34

eL 00:40:28 ) ) H iP 00:20:53.1 d

eS 00:30:23

eL 00:40:09

N, 116° E, 00:09:28

Magnitude

29,

U iP 07:54:57.3 c

eS 08:,00:29

eL 08:03:34

H Tmax 08:30:48

N, 166° W, 07:48: 18

June 29,

HTmax 11 :34:00

1780 W, 10:49:42

0 ) .)

Table-Continued

Week Minutes Verr Moder- Local

beginning of feeb e Feeble Slight ate Strong Total seIS- tremor micity *

May 5 11 6 0 0 0 0 17 5.75

12 33 10 0 1 0 0 43 15.2519 4 0 1 0 0 0 5 2.00

26 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.25

June 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 3 4.00

9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00

16 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.50

23 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1.25

* Local seismIcIty is an arbitrary value. Each local earthquake

is assigned a seismicity value according to its strength, as follows:

tremor, 0.25; very feeble, 0.5; feeble, 1.0; slight, 2.0; moderate, 3.0;

strong, 4.0. These values are totaled to give the weekly local seismicity. Continuous volcanic tremor is ignored in the calculation. The

strength assigned to the earthquake depends on the double amplitude

of the maximum oscillation it causes on the Bosch-Omori seismograph,

as follows:

Tremor, less than 0.5 mm; very feeble, 0.5 to 4 mm; feeble, 4 to

11 mm; slight, 11 to 25 mm; moderate, 25 to 60 mm; strong, greater

than 60 mm.

3. Table of tilt at seismograph stations on the rIm of Kilauea

caldera.

Whitney station Uwekahuna station

Week (northeast rim) (west rim)

beginning Direction Amount Direction Amount (seconds of arc) (seconds of arc)

March 31 ------------- .. _---- 0.0 N 72° W 0.5

April 7 S 0.4 N 56° W 0.5

14 S 27° E 0.3 N 450 W 0.6

21 N 23° E 0.9 N 76° w 1.2

28 E 0.1 N 56° w 0.5

May 5 S 11° E 0.6 N 0.3

12 S 63° W 0.3 S 63° W 0.7

19 W 0.5 S 67° E 1.2

26 S 72° W 0.4 N 82° E 1.1

June 2 S 53° W 0.6 S 56° E 1.1

9 S 0.7 N 14° E 0.6

16 N 45° W 0.2 N 41° W 1.4

23 N 63° w 0.3 S 0.2

10 INT .-CUP. SEC., lASH., D. C ., 3
ARTHQUAKES

local earthquakes were determined

the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

tv1aui. Except for smaller earth

nly earthquakes classed as slight

e list. The intensity ratings are

mograph at the Whitney Laboratory.

en extended empirically to permit

ri and Sprengnether seismographs.

ake are: date, origin time (Hawaiian

he nearest station, epicenter, and

June 6,

U iP 20:01 :49.4

3 0 N, E, 19:49:47

June 7,

H Tmax 03:30:42

N, 1790 W, 02:46:40

June 10,

U iP 01:13:00.5

H iP 01:12:59.3

90 S, 1170 E, 00: 59:54

June 13,

U eP 10:47:38.2 c

is 10:53:17

eL 10:56:25

Tmax 11:26:26

H eP 10:47:29 c

Tmax 11:24:09

N, 1750 W, 10:40:38

Magnitude 7

June 13,

U iP 21:39:42.2 c

N, E, 21:27:18

EARTHQUAKES

of distant origin were recorded on

n Volcano Observatory on Hawaii

1550 17.6' W, 1240m), and Maui

560 15.0' W, 2090m). Beginnings

Kamuela. Near Kamuela at a depth of

Felt 5 km northwest of Honokaa.

kahuna. Five km south of Uwekahuna

of about 35 km. Felt in the vicinity

aldera. Magnitude 3.8.

kahuna. Five km west of Makaopuhi

depth of 15 km. Magnitude 3.3.

alehu. Five km southwest of Pahala

f 20 km. Felt at Kapapala.

Mauna Loa. Five km south of the

seismograph station at a depth of

from Hilo to Kapapala. Magnitude 3.5.

at Kealakekua. Kealakekua fault.

. Cook.

Whitney station. Ten km southeast

na at a depth of 35 km. Felt from

era to Hilo. Magnitude 3. L

the Whitney station. One km north

ney station at a depth of 2 km. Felt

rtheast rim of Kilauea caldera.

at Pahoa. Sixty km south of Pahoa

154 0 56' W) at a depth of 55 km.

0. .

lakekua. Kealakekua fault. Felt at

Kealakekua. Kealakekua fault. Felt

k.

Naalehu. 13 km north of Naalehu at a

m. Magnitude 3.3.

(

(

(

(

June 10,

U iP 03:22:58.8 c

H iP 03:22:52.8 c

N, E, 03:13:11

Magnitude 6%-7

June 11,

U eP 14:59:07.6

is 15:96:46

eL 15:13:45

H iP 14:59: 14.4

30 0 S, 1780 W, 14:49:47

Depth about 100 km.

Magnitude 6%-7

June 11,

U eP 19:01 :34.3

H eP 19:01:28.4 d

180 N, E, 18:49:24

June 12,

U eP 00:00:58

H eP 00:00:45

Tmax

520 N, 1760 W, 23:53:57

June 12,

U eP 08:38:17.5 c

H eP 08:38:06.9 c

N, E, 08:28:34

9

June 14,

U iP 06:31 :26.6 d

eS 06:37:04

eL 06:40:56

Tmax 07:09:40

H Tmax 07:07:57

520 N, W, 06:24:20

Magnitude

June 15,

U eP 18:25: 15

eS 18:30:53

eL 18:35:23

Tmax 19:02:41

H Tmax 19:00:38

520 N, 171 0 W, 18:18:20

Magnitude 6

June 17,

U iP 06:24: 13 d

150 S, W, 06: 16:44

Magnitude 5%

June 18,

U iP 11:30:57.7 c

180 N, E, 11:18:53

Depth about 60 km.

June 18,

U iP 18:05 :49.3 d

is 18: 13:42

eL 18:21:08

250 S, 1700 E, 17: 56:03

Magnitude 6

4
of phases are given in Greenwich civil time, which is 10 hoas

faster than Hawaiian standard time.

A ftc" following the time of

P indicates that the first motion was a compression; a ftd", that

it was a dilatation. Locations of epicenters, origin

focal depths, and magnitudes are from the notices of Preliminary

Determinations of Epicenters published by the U. S. Coast and

Geodetic Survey.

8

May 24,

U iP 02:49:43.9 d

H iP 02:49:48.6 d

3° N, W, 02:37:37

Magnitude 6Yr6%

May 24,

U eP 03:43:42

Tmax 04:20:43

H Trrax 04:18:44

53° N, W, 03:36:33

Magnitude

May 26,

U e 06:55:02

eL 07:29:39

41° N, 31° E, 06:33:31Magnitude 7

May 31,

V eP 22:24:27

H eP 22:24:17.4

Tmax 23:01:29

51° N, W, 22: 17: 10

June 4,

U iP 11:23:38.0 c

H iP 11:23:38.1 c

S, E, 11:14:50

June 4,

V iP 17: 12:25.5 c

H iP 17:12:31.1 c

S, 178° W, 17:05:02

Depth about 550 km.

Magnitude

June 6,

H Tmax 04:14:45

52° N, 178° W, 03:30:22

June 6,

V eP 05:45:29.8 c

Tmax 06:22:30

H e 05:45:24

Tmax 06:20:45

52° N, W, 05:38:27

)

t

)

Apr. 1,

V iP 08:06:04.2

N, 129° E, 07:54:20

Depth about 100 km.

Apr. 1,

V eP 11:42:19.3

51 Q N, 173° W, 11:35:30

Apr. 2,

V iP 00:46:33.6 c

51° N, 173° W, 00:39:42

Apr. 2,

U eP 20:23:47.5

N, 173° W, 20:16:57

Apr. 2,

V eP 21:34:47.4

51° N, 173° w" 21:27:54

Apr. 4,

V iP 00:20: 19.8 d

58° N, W, 00: 13:08

Depth about 150 km.

Apr. 5,

U iP 02:56:36.7 c

Tmax 03:33:51 H Tmax 03:31 :50

52° N, W, 02:49:39

Magnitude

Apr. 5,

U iP 07:39:39.4 d

S, 177° W, 07:30:22

Depth abOut 100 km.

Magni tude 6%

5

Apr. 5,

U eP 16:22:57.2 d

N, 88° W, 16:12:20

Depth about 100 km.

Apr. 7,

U eP 10:25:20.8

lOS, E, 10:14:08

Magnitude

Apr. 8,

V iP 20:29:29.9 d

N, 83° W, 20:18:09

Magnitude

Apr. 9,

V iP 00: 34: 11.5 c

N, E, 00:24:39

Depth about 450 km.

Magni tude

Apr. 9,

H Tmax 10:43:38

51° N, W, 09:59:27

Apr. 9,

U eP 11:09:25.9 d

Tmax 11:48:22

H Tmax 11 :46: 19

N, W, 11:02:12

Apr. 9,

H Tmax 18:24:26

W, 17:40:13

Apr. 9,

U iP 20:30:45.6 c

N, 169° W, 20:23:56
6

Apr. 13,

U eP 06:42:04 d

N, E, 06:30:08

Apr. 14,

U eP 19:25:26.2 c

1 19:25 :28.3 d

eS 19:31:32

eL 19:34:41

Tmax 20:03:31

H iP 19: 25 :35.3

eL 19:34:45

Tmax 20:06:03

S, 1730 W, 19:17:57

Magnitude

Apr. 14,

U iP 21:06:03.6

N, 1790 W, 20:59:00

Apr. 15,

U eP 10:45:47.6 d

eS 10:51 :35

eL 10:55:19

H Tmax II:22: 50

N, 1790 W, 10:38:37

Apr. 15,

HTmax 20:37:16

N, 1760 W, 19:53:39

Apr. 15,

U eP 21:39:59

eS 21:45:21

eL 21:50: 19

H Tmax 22:18:26

N, 1670 W, 2.1 :33:05

Apr. 16,

U eP 04: 16:46.3 c

ipP 04:18:53.5 c

eG 04:44:22

S, E, 04:04:04

Depth about 600 km.

Magnitude

Apr. 17,

U eP 08: 15: 15.5 c

200 S, 1760 W, 08:07:58

Depth about 200 km.

-1-

( <.

Apr. 17,

U eP 09:34:47.4 c

Tmax 10: 12:08

N, 1710 W, 09:27:54

Apr. 17,

U eP 13:31:47.4

Tmax 14:09: 15

H Tmax 14:07:26

N, 169° W, 13:24:58

Apr. 18,

U eP 07:07: 12.0 d

Tmax 07:45:49

N, 1760 W, 07:00:06

Apr. 19,

U eP 15:51:34.2 c·

eS 15:57:01

eL 15:59:54

N, W, 15:44:53

Apr. 19,

U iP 22:26: 14.1 d i 22:26:25 c

is 22:31:43

eL 22:34:36

H Tmax 23:02:05

52° N, W, 22:19:26

Magnitude

Apr. 20,

U eL 07:24

S, 148Xo E, 06:48:04

Apr. 21,

U eP 21 :24:46.9 c

H eP 21:24:55.2

70 N, 72 0 W, 21:12:26

6X-6%

Apr. 25,

U eP 02:44:37.5 d

eL 03:24

N, 290 E, 02:25:36

Magnitude 7-7X

7

Apr. 25,

U eP 11:18:09.9 c

N, 1260 E, 11 :06:02

Apr. 25,

U eL 22:14

33° N, W, 21:57:36

Magnitude

Apr. 25,

U eL 22:40

N, W, 22:24: 11

Magnitude

Apr. 28,

U iP 01:35:36.8 d

7

0 N, 1270 E, 01:23:40

Magnitude 5%-6

Apr. 28,

U eL 15:06

N, W, 14:48:52

Apr. 29,

U eL 04:48

N, W, 04:30:04

May 1,

U eP 23:35:18.5 d

N, 1710 W, 23 :28:09

May 2,

H Tmax 03:04:44

540 N, 1660 W, 02:22:18

May 2,

U iP 04:06:53.5 c

720 N, W, 03:55:34

Magnitude

May 2,

U eP 10:46:30 d

eL 11:10:53

S, 1230 W, 10:34:14
UNITED STATES

OF THE INTERIOR

SURVEY

'; ,J HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY

SUMMARY 7

July-SepteITlber 1957

By

J. P. Eaton and George D. Fraser

N

J

I. Hawaiian Volcono Observatory

2 Whitney Laboratory of S.ismology

3. Uwekahuno seismo9raph station

4. Heodquarters Howoii Nationol Pork

Upolu Point

Kolae (South) Point

Contour interval 1,000 feet

001u;" is 1611,,1

Tapoqraphy by U.S. Gealo9ical Survey

Map of the Island of Hawaii, showing location of the Hawaiian

Volcano Observatory, seismograph stations operated by the

observatory, and localities mentioned in text.
I
Sept. 27,

U iP 04:20:35 d

10 5, 1270 E, 04:08:23

Sept. 27,

U eP 04:30:52

10 S, E, 04: 18:49

Sept. 27,

UTmax 06:32:20

HTmax 06:30:25 1

530 N, 1680 W, 05:48:15 .

Sept. 28,

U iP 00:37:01.4 c

H iP 00:36:52.5 e

N, E, 00:27:31

Depth about 500 km.

Magnitude 6%

Sept. 28,

U iP 14:27:32.9 d

is 14:33:35

H iP 14:27:38.3 d

is 14:33:46

S, 1780 W, 14:20:00

Depth about 650 km.

Magnitude 7 -

Sept. 29,

U iP 06:49:36.7 c

1240 E, 06:37:33

Depth about 200 km.

Sept. 29,

U iP 08:21:36.5

H iP 08:21:41.5

250 S, E, 08:12:22

Depth about 600 km. :l Magnitude

0 !

PREFATORY NOTE

This summary of observations· made at the Hawaiian Volcano

Observatory is published for the use of vole.anological and seismological observatories and others interested in the data at intervals more

frequently than once a year. Heretofore this material was

in The Volcano Letter, published by the University of Hawaii, but

discontinued with issues number 529 and 530, July-December, 1955.

Those who wish to receive this summary should request inclusion on

the mailing list from the Director, U. S. Geological Survey, Washington 25, D. C.

1. ·Summary of Volcanic Conditions

July

The Sprengnether at lJwekahuna recorded 190 earthquakes during July. Most of these earthquakes. were very small

and oriRinated in the vicinity of Kilauea caldera.

A strong earthquake originating about 8 km southwest of Waikii

at 12:54 a.m. on July 4 was felt generally over the island of Hawaii.

Nine minutes later, at 1:03 a.m., a sharp earthquake stemming from

the Kaoiki fault about 5 km southwest of Ohaikea was felt in Hawaii National P ark and Kealakekua.

On July 22 at 10: 17 a.m. a moderate earthquake originated beneath the sea about 35 km north of the Haleakala, Maui, seismograph station. This earthquake was not reported felt.

The largest earthquake of the month occurred at 1:41 a.m. on

July 26. This earthquake, which was felt in Kealakekua, originated beneath the sea about 30 km west of Hawi.

Small earthquakes from epicenters in central Kona were felt in

Kealakekua at 9:32 a.m. on July 19 and at 2: 17 a.m. on July 27.

Tilting of the earth's surface at the Whitney Laboratory was

normal for July.

8

33&102

1
gust

seismic actIvIty at Kilauea that

xtended into August. 200 earth

prengnether seismograph atUweka

kes originated at Kilauea caldera

e Hawaiian area in many months

neath the sea 45 km east of Hana,

8. This earthquake was felt

and Hawaii. 59 earthquakes, in

.0 or greater, stemmed from this

n epIcenter beneath the sea 30 km

August 21 was not reported felt.

es that originated near the north

38 a.m., 8:41 a.m., and 8:47 a.m.

i National Park Headquarters.

a focus about 35 km beneath the

felt at Pohakuloa and Kukuihaele

e at the Whitney Laboratory was

ember

activity in the vicinity of Kilauea

aised the number of earthquakes

ismograph at Uwekahuna to 310.

rred on September 8, 14, and 15

than 30 km.

focus about 30 km deep and 5 km

m. on September 4 was not reported

al was felt in Hilo at 9:31

ed 10 km north of Keaau at a depth

originating 45 km east of Hana,

d at 1: 36 a.m. on September 7. It

ter- 5 km east of Apua Point was

mber 14.

month originated at 3:37 a.m. on

5 km south of Ohaikea. This

2

July 27,

U eP 15:49:20.9

5}f N, E, 15:37:30

July 28,

U iP 08:49:25.3 d

e 08:49:38

eS 08:56:58

eG 09:00:24

Tmax 09:46:23

H eP 08:49:31.0 d

1 08:49:41

Tmax 09:47:19

17° N, 99° W, 08:40:04

Magnitude 7% -

July 29,

U eS 17:54:05,

eL 17:57:25

Tmax 19:13:13

S, W, 17:15:14

Magnitude 6% -

Aug. 4,

U iP, 14:25:40

17° N, W, 14:16:18

Magnitude

Aug. 12,

U eP 07:20:53

6° N, E, 07:08:38

Aug. 16,

U eP 23:40:56.7

is 23:48:13

Tmas 00:34:42

HTmax 00:37:12

N, 104° W, 23:31:55

Magnitude - 6%

Aug. 17,

U i P 12:49:18.5 c

29° N, 141° E, 12:39:23

7

Aug. 18,

U eP 08:48:59.5

eS 08:58:59

eL 09:08:51

12° N, 124° E, 08:36:57

Aug. 18,

U eP 21:21:40.1 c

N, 99° W, 21;10:42

Aug. 18,

U ep 21:51:31

eS 21:58:21

eL 22:04:31

H Tmax 22:43:14

50° N, 157° E, 21:42:30

Magnitude -

Aug. 20,

U eP 12:11:09.1

eS 12:18:42

eL 12:23:23

10° S, 161° E, 12:01:54

Magnitude -

Aug. 22,

U eP 08:07:36.0 d

1° N, 126° E, 07:55:06

Aug. 22,

U eP 16:53:01

15° S, 168° E, 16:43:35

Aug. 23,

U eP 02:09:50

eS 02:17:37

Tmax 03:09:12

6° S, E, 02:00:05

Magnitude

Aug. 27,

U i P 21:04 :43 d

S, 178° E, 20:56:29

Depth about 650 km.
civil time, which is 10 hours faster

A ftc" followin,g time of

P indi

a compression; a ftd", that it was a

enters, origin times, focal depths,

tices of Preliminary Determinations

U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey.

July 17,

U eP 11:18:57.2 c

eS 11:26:00

eL 11 :30:09

H iP 11:18:58.2 c

11 0 S, 1670 E ,. 11: 10: 10

Magnitude 6X - 61JJ.

July 18.

U i P 12:16: 10.0 c

HiP 12:16:04.0 c

300 N, 1390 E, 12:06:39

Depth about 400 km.

July 22,

U eP 06:26:48.8 c

331JJ.° S, 1780 W, 06:16:52

July 23

U eP 00:52: 16.6 d

eS 00:58:00

eL 01:01:42

Tmax 01:31:04

H eP 00:52;01.7

Tmax 01:29:05

520 N, 1770 W, 00:45:12

Magnitude 6X - 61JJ.

July 24,

lJ eS 11 :19:00

eL 11 :23 :40

H iP 11:11:42.9 c

200 S, 1690 E, 11:02:30

Magnitude 61JJ.

July 25,

U i P 07:49:39.6

eS 07:55:15

eL 07:58:44

H Tmax 08:26:20

510 N, 1770 W, 07:42:25

Magnitude 6X

earthQUake, which had a focal depth of about 25 km, was felt at

the Mauna Loa Slope Observatory and at Capt. Cook.

At the Whitney Laboratory mild southeasterly tilting replaced

the 'strong northeasterly tilting bf the ground normally recorded

during September.

2. Earthquakes recorded on the Bosch-Omori seismograph in

the Whitney Laboratory of Seismology, on the northeast

rim of Kilauea caldera.

Week Minutes Very Moder- Local of Feeble Slight Strong Total seis- beginning tremor feeble ate micity *

June 30 0 O· 1 0 0 1 2 5.00

July 7 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 2.75

14 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.50

21 1 2 0 0 0 0 3 1.25

28 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0075

Aug. 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1.50

11 0 4 1 0 0 0 5 3.0018 1 2 2 0 1 1 7 10.25

25 1 4 0 0 0 0 5

Sept. 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 1.75

8 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 2.50

15 54 1 0 0 0 0 55 14.00

22 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.50

* Local seismicity is an arbitrary value. Each local earthquake

is assigned a seismicity value according to its strength, as follows:

tremor, 0.25; very feeble, 0.5; feeble, 1.0; slight, 2.0; moderate, 3.0;

strong, 4.0. These values are totaled to give the weekly local seismicity. Continuous volcanic tremor is ignored in the calculation. The

assigned to the earthquake depends on the double amplitude

of the maximum oscillation it causes on the Bosch-Omori seismograph,

as follows:

Tremor, less than 0.5 mm; very feeble, 0.5 to 4 mm; feeble, 4 to

11 mm; slight, 11 to 25 mm; moderate, 25 to 60 mm; strong, greater

than 60 mm.

3. Table of tilt at seismograph 'stations on the rIm of Kilauea

caldera.

Whitney station Uwekahuna station

Week (northeast rim) (west rim)

beginning Direction Amount Direction Amount (seconds of arc) (seconds of arc)

June 30

N 27 0 W 0.5 Instrument July 7 N 270 W 0.3 out of

14

W 0.1 order

21

N 270 E Oe3

3
4

Uwekahuna station

(west rim)

unt Amount

of arc) Direction (seconds of arc

0.4

N 27°

W 0.3

0.4

N 79 0 W 0.8

0.5

W 0.2

0.6

N 79°

W 0.8

0.4

W 0.2

0.4 S 18°E 0.5

0.4

N 45°W 0.2

0.3

N 570

W 0.5

0.4 S 63°

W 0.7

2/:)0 48 ' N, 1550 28 'W. Depth about 10 km. Magnitude 4.0.

280 48' N, 1550 28' W. 45 km east of Hana,

Maui, at a depth of about 10 km. Felt widely on

the islands of Hawaii and Maui. Magnitude 5.6.

45 km east of Hana, Maui. Magnitude 3.0.

45 km east of Hana, Maui. Magnitude 3.0.

slight at Naalehu. About 30 km east of Naalehu

at a depth of about 15 km. Magnitude 3.5.

feeble at the Whitney Laboratory. Felt at Hawaii

National Park Headquarters.

moderate at the Whitney Laboratory. Felt at Hawaii

National Park Headquarters.

very feeble at the Whitney Laboratory. Felt at

Hawaii· National Park Headquarters.

45 km east of Hana, Maui. Magnitude 3.2.

strong at Kamuela. Beneath the summit of Kohala

mountain at a depth of about 35 km. Felt at

Kukuihaele and Pohakuloa. Magnitude 3.3.

45 km east of Hana, Maui. Magnitude 3.0.

5 km northwest of Kamuela at a depth of about

30 km. Magnitude 3.3.

slight at Hilo. 10 km north of Keeau at a depth

of 50 km. Felt in Hilo. Magnitude 3.3.

200 46 ' N, 1550 27 'W. 45 km east of Hana, Maui,

at a depth of about 5 km. Magnitude 3.6.

60 km beneath the Mauna Loa seismograph station.

Magnitude 2.3.

200 16' N, 1570 38' W. 115 km south of Koko

Head, Oahu. Magnitude 2. 7.

very feeble at the Whitney Laboratory. 5 km east

of Apua Point at a depth of about 5 km. Felt in

Hilo. Magnitude 2.5.

45 km east of Hana, ;vlagnitude 3.0.

45 km east of Hana, Maui. Magnitude 3.0.

slight at Uwekahuna. 5 km south of Ohaikea at a

depth of about 25 km. Felt at the Slope Observatoryand Capt. Cook. Magnitude 3.9.

DI5TANT EARTHQUAKES

The following earthquakes of distant origin were recorded on

seismographs of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawaii

(U= Uwekahuna, 190 25.4 T N, 155 0 17,6 T W, 1140m), and Maui

(H=Haleakala, 20 0 46.0 1 N, 156 0 15.0' W, 2090m). Beginnings of

5

Aug. 11, 09:39: 18,

A'Lg. 18, 00:41:56,

Aug. 19, 15:52:07,

Aug. 19, 18=38:10,

Aug. 21, 17:21:05,

Aug. 23, 08:38,Aug. 23, 08:41:14,

Aug. 23, 08:46:44,

Aug. 26, 08:04:18,

Aug. 26, 16:58:52,

Aug. 28, 09:59:52,

Sept. 4, 06:28: 18,Sept. 5, 09:31:24,

Sept. 7, 01:35:13,

Sept. 8, 08:37:22,

Sept. 8, 19:36:0'8,

Sept. 14, 05:22:48,

Sept. 14, 15:38:46,

Sept. 17, 11:47:37,

Sept. 29, 03:37:02,

muela. 8 km southwest of Waikii at

bout 15 km. FeIt generall y over the

waii. Magnitude 4.5.

kahuna. 5 km southwest of Ohaikea

f about 15 km. Felt in Kealakekua

National Park. Magnitude 2.8.

kahuna. Kilauea caldera.

kua. Felt in Kealakekua.

f the Haleakala seismograph station

about 35 km. Magnitude 3.2.

muela. About 30 km west of Hawi.

akekua. Magnitude 4.6.

lakekua. Near Kealakekua. Felt in

50 28 'W. 45 km east of Hana, Maui,

about 10 km. Magnitude 4.2.

50 28 'W. Depth about 10 km. Mag

ARTHQUAKES

ocal earthquakes were determined

the Hawaiian Volcano Observa

d Maui. Except for smaller earth

earthouakes classed as slight or

The intensity ratings are based

h at the Whitney Laboratory. This

ded empirically to permit its use

engnether seismographs. The en

date, origin time (Hawaiian stand

est station, epicenter, and general
UNITE"D STATES

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

·RAWAllAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY

SUMMARY 8

October-December 1957

By

J. P. Eaton and George D. Fraser

Palimo Point

Conlour interval 1,000 feet

Oatum is mean sea ItWtll

Topography by U. S. Geological Survey

Keaau

I. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

2. Whitney Laboratory of Seismology

3. Uwekohuno seismogroph station

4. Headquarters Hawaii Notional Pork

EXPLANATION

• Seismograph station

a City, town,or village

x Localily

Rood

1560 1550

N

Mahukona

J

20 0 20

I\1ap of the Island of Hawaii, showing location of the Hawaiian

V Observatory, seismograph stations operated by the

observatory, and localities mentioned in text.
\'~
PREFATORY NOTE

This summary of observations made at the Hawaiian Volcano

Observatory is published for the use of volcanological and seismological observatories and others interested in the data at intervals more

frequently than once a year. ·Heretofore this material was available

in The Volcano Letter, published by the University of Hawaii, but

d_iscontinued with issues number 529 and 530, July-December, 1955.

Those who wish to receive this summary should request inclusion on

the mailing list from the Director, U. S. Geological Survey, Washington 25, D. C.

1. Summary of Volcanic Conditions

October

The Sprengnether seismograph at recorded only

120 earthquakes during October. Most of these earthquakes

were very small and originated at shallow depths near

caldera or along the Kaoiki fault zone southwest of the caldera.

An earthquake from an epicenter near Keahole Point was felt

in Capt. Cook at 1 :03 a. m. on October 25. At 7:24 p. m. on

O<:tober 28 a small, sharp earthquake originating at the eastern

rim of Kilauea caldera was felt at Hawaii National Park Headquarters. An earthquake felt in Capt. Cook at 5 :48 a. m. on

October 31 stemmed from the Kealakekua fault about 5 km southeast of Kealakekua.

Moderate northeasterly tilting of the ground at the Whitney

station was normal for October.

November

Seismic actIvIty In Hawaii remained at a low level during

November. of the 165 earthquakes recorded by the Sprengnether seismograph at Uwekahuna were very small and stemmed

from Kilauea caldera or the adjacent portion of the Kaoiki fault

zone.

1
alakekua and Capt. Cook at 2:31 a.m.

d beneath the ocean 30 km west of

November 23 an earthquake from an

was felt at Hawaii National Park,

A earthquake from the Keala

t. Cook at 5:16 p. m. on November 30.

the northward component of ground

vember, but the eastward component

er than normal.

December

ograph at Uwekahuna recorded only

ecember. .As in preceeding months

were very small and originated near

depths.

orted felt on Hawaii during December.

of the month originated beneath the

f Hana, Maui, at 01 :21 p. m. on De

on the northeastern rim of Kilauea

ly tilting of the ground replaced the

ng normal for December.

on the Bosch-Dmori seismograph in

ry of Seismology, on the northeast

Moder- Local 

ble Slight Strong Total seis- 

ate micity·

0 1 0 0 2 2.50

0 0 0 0 1 0.25

0 0 0 0 1 0.25

1 0 0 0 1 1.00

1 0 0 0 2 1.50

0 0 0 0 1 0.50

0 0 0 0 1 0.50

1 1 O· 0 5 4.50

0 0 0 0 3 1.50

0 0 0 0 4 1.75

0 0 0 0 2 0.75

0 0 0 0 2 1.00

0 0 0 0 0 0.00

arbitrary value. Each local earthquake

e according to its strength, as follows:

; feeble, 1.0; slight, 2.0; moderate, 3.0;

e totaled to give the weekly local seis

remor is ignored in the calculation. The

2

4 I

,
44

:44

:10

8

7:45

6:43

57

o

6

Dec. 13,

U is 20:38:40

eL 20:41:09

N, 170° W, 20:26:22

Dec. 16,

UTmax 18:15:13

H Tmax 18:14:15

50° N, 127° W, 20:26:22

Dec. 17,

U eP 05:18:40

eS 05:25:35

eL 05:31 :42

N, 162° E, 05 :10:11

Magnitude 6%

Dec. 17,

U eP 13:58:57 c

is 14:05:51

iL 14:10:09

Tmax 14:52:19

H iP 13:58:57 c

eS 14:05:54

eL 14:10:40

12° S, 167° E, 13:50:05

Magnitude 7%

Dec. 26,

U iP 12:18:59 c

eL 12:35

S, 178° W, 12:09:11

Dec. 26,

UTmax 13.01:08

N, 127° W, 12:20:35

Dec. 31,

II eP 14:39:49

eL 15:02:26

45° S, E, 14:28:15

38 J 50

f i

Table-ContiQued

strength assigned to the earthquake depends on the double amplitude

of the maximum oscillation it causes on the Bosch-Omori seismograph,

as follows: tremor, less than 0.5 mm; very feeble, 0.5 to 4 mm; feeble,

4 to 11 mm; slight, 11 to 25 mm; moderate, 25 to 60 mm; strong, greater

than 60 mm.

3. Table of tilt at seismograph stations on the rim of Kilauea

caldera.

Whitney station Uwekahuna station

Week (northeast rim) (west rim)

beginning Direction Amount Direction Amount

(second s of arc) (seconds of arc)

Sept. 29

N 79u E 0.6

N 34°

W 0.5

Oct. 6 E 0.4

E 0.2

13

N 45°

E 0.7

N 63°

W 0.3

20

N 81°

E 0.7 S 45°

W 0.2

27

N 51°

E 1.5

N 37°

W 0.3

Nov. 3 N 40°

E 0.9

W 0.4

10

N 63°

E 0.5 S 81°

E 0.9

17 S 74°

E 0.9 S 72°

W 1.0

24

N 60°

E 1.0

N 79°

W 0.8

Dec. 1 S 27°

W 0.8 S 72°

E 0.5

8 N 30°

E 1.7 S 68°

W 0.8

15 S 84°

W 1.20

N 56°

E 0.5

22

E 0.6

W 0.2

LOCAL EARTHQUAKES

The data for the following local earthquakes were determined

from seismographs operated by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. Except for smaller

earthquakes of special interest, only earthquakes classed as

slight or larger were included in the list. The intensity ratings

are based on the Bosch-Omori seismograph at the Whitney Laboratory. This intensity scale has been extended empirically to

permit its use with the Loucks-Omori and Sprengnether seismographs. The entries for a given earthquake are: date, origin

time (Hawaiian standard time), intensity at the nearest station,

epicenter, and general remarks.

Oct. 20, 05 :09:43, slight at Uwekahuna. 5 km west of Ohaikea at

a depth of about 5 km. Magnitude 2.8.

Oct. 25, 01:02:38, very feeble at Kealakekua. Near Keahole Point.

Felt at Captain Cook. Magnitude 2.2.

Oct. 28, 19:23:57, feeble at the Whitney station. East rim of Kilauea

caldera. Felt at Hawaii National Park Headquarters.

3
Kealakekua. On the Kealakekua fault

5 km southeast of Kealakekua. Felt at

ook.

le at Kamuela. 25 km northwest of Kam

a depth of 35 km. Magnitude 3.1

le at Kealakekua. 30 km west of Kailua

hallow depth. Felt at Kealakekua and

ook. Magnitude 3.5.

at Uwekahuna. 10 km southwe st of the

Loa seismograph station at a depth of

Felt at Hawaii National Park, Kealakekua,

muela. Magnitude 3.5.

ua fault. Felt at Capt. Cook.

t of Hana, Maui, at a depth of about 5 km.

de 3.2.

(,.

Oct. 24,

U iP 09:15:05 c

H iP 09:15:12' C

S, 1790 W, 09:07:30

Depth about 550 km

Oct. 25,

U eP 10:12:31

is 10:19:22

iL 10:24:53

N, E, 10:03:32

Magnitude - 6%

Nov. 13,

U iP 17:32:28 C

iL 17:48:21

H eP 17:32:33

33 0 5, 1790 W, 17:22:41

Magnitude - 6%

Nov. 16,

U eP 01 :56:08 c

eS 02:01:41

eL 02:05:24

N, 1770 W, 01:48:48

T EARTHQUAKES

es of distant origin were recorded on

iian Volcano Observatory on Hawaii

N, 1550 17.6' W, 1240m), and Maui

N, 1560 15.0' W, 2090m). Beginnings

enwich civil time, which is 10 hours

d time.

A (tc" following the time of

P in

on was a compression; a Rd", that it

ns of epicenters, origin times, focal

e from the notices of Preliminary De

published by the U. S. Coast and

4

Oct. 19,

U eP 18:40:45 c

N, 1220 E, 18:28:50

Magnitude - 6%

Oct. 23,

U eP 06:03:43

e5 06:09:13

eL 06:12:37

Tmax 06:40:22

H Tmax 06:38:58

N, W, 05:56:52

Magnitude

Oct. 24,

U eP 00:26:33

e5 00:33:47

eL 00:40:09

5, E, 00: 17:37

Magnitude

I·

t. I

Oct. 26,

U iP 08:33:50

5, 1780 W, 08:26: 12

Magnitude 6 -

Oct. 27,

U eP 22:41:07

eL 23:02:20

H eP 22:41:01

560 N, 1610 E, 22:32:25

Magnitude - 6%

Oct. 31,

U eP 10:19:27

eS 10:28:55

iL 10:40:48

830 W, 10:07:54

Magnitude - 6%

Nov. 2,

U iP 07:30:53 C

150 N, W, 07:20:58

Depth about 100 km

Nov. 2,

U eP 18:39:15

eS 18:46:30

eL 18:51 :04

130 5, E, 18:30:24

Nov. 5,

U eP 10:02:16 d

130 S, 1690 E, 09:54:29

Depth about 650 km

5

Nov. 17,

U iP 18:04:36 C

N, 1380 E, 17:55:04

Depth about 450 km

Nov. 20,

U eP 12:47:19 C

e5 12:52:54

eL 12:54:42

Tmax 13:25:02

H eP 12:47:11

Tmax 13:22:55

540 N, 1650 W, 12:40:23

Magnitude -

Nov. 23,

U eP 01:05:30

e5 01:11:04

eL 01:14:53

Tmax 01 :42':48

N, 1680 W, 00:58:33

Nov. 25,

U eL 19:08:43

Tmax 19:40:45

H Tmax 19:40:25

440 N, 1300 W, 18:55:12

Nov. 25,

U eL 20:48:00

Tmax 21:13:30

H Tmax 21:12:38

N, W, 20:32:25