Near-real-time geochemical monitoring of Hawaiian volcanoes using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF)

Abstract

Syn-eruption geochemical monitoring during volcanic activity is an important component of integrated volcanic monitoring. Volcanoes on the Island of Hawai‘i are primarily monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory using instrumental networks, field surveys, satellite observations, and petrologic monitoring. In collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, an important component of this monitoring is near-real-time (generally within 24 h of sample collection) bulk-rock geochemistry using benchtop energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Bulk-rock geochemistry, coupled with additional petrologic and geophysical analyses, are used to track eruption dynamics to help facilitate identification and understanding of changes that signal the onset of potentially hazardous activity. In this paper, we present EDXRF methodology for bulk-rock analysis used to evaluate the 2018 Kīlauea and 2022 Mauna Loa eruptions and compare this technique to other geochemical methods. Syn-eruption geochemical monitoring using EDXRF provides reliable quantitative data that is important for understanding eruption dynamics. Critical to this process are calibrating the instrument for analysis over the same range of compositions expected during volcanic activity, compiling a relevant database from past eruptions on the same instrument for comparison, and having the physical infrastructure and trained personnel to complete the analyses in a timely fashion. In addition to the scientific goals of petrologic monitoring, near-real-time geochemical analysis in Hawaii provides important information about the nature of on-going eruptions and informs decision-makers and the public about associated evolving hazards.