In their report, they described an expected subsidence event along the south flank of Kilauea. As the HVO report awaited publication, the November 1975 earthquake confirmed the expectations of the scientists. We have learned much about large earthquakes in Hawai'i, partly as a result of the 1975 earthquake. For example, it is widely viewed that the largest of Hawaiian earthquakes are the result of movements along a nearly horizontal fault. This fault is thought to be the boundary between the top of the ancient sea floor and the bottom of the volcanoes.
Earthquakes represent the release of strain accumulated within the volcanoes.
A great deal remains to be learned about the details of processes related to earthquakes in Hawai'i. At some point, we hope that we will be able to identify and recognize behaviors that are precursory to large earthquakes and possibly forecast future magnitude 7 or larger events. Eruption Update Eruptive activity of Kilauea Volcano continued unabated during the past week. The bench has increased in area and is nearly the same size as it was prior to the partial collapse reported last week. The public is reminded that the ocean-entry areas are extremely hazardous, with explosions accompanying sudden collapses of the new land.