An aerial view of Ofu and Olosega islands, National Park of American Samoa / NPS

How many of you have ever visited the tropical paradise of the National Park of American Samoa? There are volcanoes at American Samoa similar to Hawaii’s volcanoes, and this location experiences its share of geologic activity. As early as July 26th, 2022, earthquakes were detected by park staff and Taʻū residents and reported to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), a part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program. Since then, residents of Ofu and Olosega islands have also reported feeling earthquakes.

HVO’s analysis of the situation indicates that earthquake activity reported to date suggests a local volcanic source. Limited earthquake monitoring equipment means the exact location of these earthquakes is unknown. Earthquakes can be early precursors to eventual eruptions. The volcanoes in American Samoa are similar to those in Hawaii, with slow-moving lava and “low-level explosions. Currently, American Samoa’s volcanoes are “monitored remotely by satellites and a distant seismic station in Apia, Samoa … HVO scientists plan to install additional earthquake monitoring instruments in the coming weeks.”

You can read more details of HVO's report regarding American Samoa’s recent earthquake activity, response, volcanoes, hazards, and other information by clicking here. You can also subscribe to the USGS Volcano Notification Service here.