Yellowstone Shows Breathing Pattern as Kilauea Erupts: February 2026 Volcano Updates cover art

Yellowstone Shows Breathing Pattern as Kilauea Erupts: February 2026 Volcano Updates

Yellowstone Shows Breathing Pattern as Kilauea Erupts: February 2026 Volcano Updates

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 In early February 2026, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory reported normal background activity at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Continuous global positioning system stations detected subtle ground deformation, with uplift along the north caldera rim and subsidence within the caldera itself, resembling a breathing pattern after years of alternating rise and fall. The University of Utah Seismograph Stations recorded 100 earthquakes in January, and two confirmed eruptions occurred at Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin. According to the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, these measurements highlight ongoing monitoring of millimeter-scale movements using precise instruments.

Meanwhile, at Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island, episode 42 of summit eruptions in Halemaumau crater unfolded on February 15. Lava fountaining from north and south vents lasted under ten hours, peaking at 400 meters or 1300 feet high from the south vent. The United States Geological Survey estimated 15 million cubic yards of lava erupted, producing light tephra including fine ash and Pele's hair that drifted downwind to nearby communities. By February 21, the eruption paused, with weak glow fading, robust degassing plumes carrying southwest, and inflationary tilt recovering nearly 11.6 microradians on the UWD tiltmeter. Sulfur dioxide emissions likely hit 100,000 tonnes per day during fountaining, dropping to 1000 to 5000 tonnes per day in the pause, per USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory updates.

Elsewhere in the United States, geologic hydrogen exploration advanced with first regulatory steps in various states. Companies like Koloma conducted geological assessments and test well planning, supported by the United States Geological Survey's new continental-scale map of hydrogen potential across the contiguous states. This marks early progress in identifying underground resources, though widespread drilling remains exploratory.

A University of Utah Geology and Geophysics presentation on February 3 detailed karst processes in Colorado's Pikes Peak region, including Iron Spring in Pikes Peak Granite and sites in Williams Canyon and migmatite formations. Monitoring revealed water mixing creating surface voids, challenging karst topography mapping, with no clear seasonality in off-gassing from wells at varying depths.

Katmai Volcano in Alaska maintained background activity as of February 20, according to the United States Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory. These events underscore patterns of episodic volcanism in the west, subtle deformations signaling magma dynamics, and emerging energy resource pursuits amid steady monitoring.

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