UPDATED 10:06 a.m.

Early this morning, HVO raised the alert level for Kilauea volcano from “advisory” to “watch,” but has subsequently lowered the volcanic alert level back to “advisory.”

UPDATED 9:51 a.m.

“Although Kilauea is not erupting, increased geologic activity early this morning has prompted the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to raise the volcano alert level and aviation color code.”

“The HVO reported increased earthquake activity and ground deformation at Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone at about 3:30 a.m., indicating likely movement of magma underground.”

“The agency subsequently raised the volcano alert level for ground-based hazards from advisory to watch and the aviation color code from yellow to orange. Today’s earthquake activity is centered near Pauahi Crater.”

“A volcano alert level of “watch” and an orange aviation color code in this case mean a volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, with the timeframe uncertain, according to the USGS.”

“The situation is rapidly evolving, and, at this time, it is not possible to say with certainty if this activity will lead to an eruption,” HVO officials said in a bulletin this morning. “The activity may remain below ground.”

“One possible outcome is an eruption in Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, according to the HVO.”

“However, agency officials said it is not possible to say where such an eruption may occur, but the area between Hiʻiaka crater and Maunaulu in HVNP “is potentially at risk for a new lava outbreak based on past patterns of eruptive activity in this area.”

“Past eruptions in the area of Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone, between Hiʻiaka crater and Maunaulu, occurred over a time range of hours to about a month.”

“As for current hazards on Kilauea, the HVO cautioned that shallow magma movement and eruptions can produce minor to severe ground fractures and subsidence features, which can affect the landscape, human activity, and infrastructure. “These ground cracks can continue to widen and offset as magma migration continues, may have unstable overhanging edges, and should be avoided.”

“HVO officials say they will continue to closely monitor Kilauea and issue a new volcanic activity notice if the volcanic activity changes significantly.”