High temporal SO2 emission rate data as part of a multiparameter approach to studying summit vent activity at Kilauea volcano

Measurements of volcanic SO₂ emission rates have been part of routine volcano monitoring since the COSPEC was first used at active volcanoes in the 1970s. However innovative at the time, such data were limited in their temporal resolution and were generally scaled up to a daily average emission rate. Newer miniature ultraviolet (UV) spectrometers have since taken the place of COSPEC instruments, but often still utilize the same field measurement techniques and are therefore also limited in temporal resolution. Recent years have seen the advent of UV cameras as a means to measure SO₂ emission rates at a rate (~1 Hz) comparable to those of other geophysical datasets such as seismicity and infrasound. Because UV cameras are still a fledgling technology in the volcano monitoring world, high temporal resolution datasets of this type are just beginning to show their potential in terms of better understanding volcanic activity. Kilauea is one of the world's best-studied volcanoes, outfitted with a range of geophysical instruments, and is currently experiencing concurrent flank and summit eruptive activity. By integrating high temporal resolution SO₂ emission rates with datasets like infrasound and seismicity, we aim to decipher the relationships between degassing and other geophysical phenomena in the summit eruption. We deployed a UV camera system at the summit of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, for the month of May, 2010 in order to measure SO₂ emission rates coincident to routine collection of other datasets. First we report SO₂ emission rates from the month-long field campaign. We also report a direct link between seismic tremor and SO₂ emissions during two instances of lava level rise and fall within the summit vent on May 22. Preliminary results indicate a weakening of high frequency signals within infrasound data from the same lava high stand events. We compare results from discrete events such as these to low-level background activity.