(BIVN) – The ongoing eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano remains paused, with the next episode of lava fountaining still expected to begin towards the end of this week.  

Scientists with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory calculate Episode 35 is likely to start between October 17 and 21.  

Seismic tremor indicates that gas piston events continue within the vents, but are more irregular compared to the past several days, geologists noted in recent days. Magma is close to the surface, as evidenced by the incandescence visible in both the north and south vents overnight. 

USGS webcam view of the Kīlauea summit on Wednesday morning

On Sunday night, short spatter bursts were observed from both the south and north vents. 

This story will be updated with information contained in Wednesday’s USGS HVO activity update.