Hawaii Unusual EQ Activity, Also the Equinox and Up To kP 5 Space Weather on the Way

This big 4.4, correlates to a 1997 4.3 Off the West Coast of Big Island. And a related large eruption at Kilauea. It’s also pretty rare, so take note. I’ll be booking a flight tomorrow.

In December 1997, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred off the west shore of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. This event was part of ongoing seismic activity associated with Kīlauea Volcano, which has been among the most active volcanoes on Earth. ​
Global Volcanism Program+2Wikipedia+2U.S. Geological Survey+2

During this period, Kīlauea exhibited notable volcanic activity:​

Puʻu ʻŌʻō Crater Activity: In early December 1997, the crater floor of Puʻu ʻŌʻō experienced subsidence, forming a pit approximately 50 meters in diameter. This collapse was attributed to subterranean magma movements undermining the cone's structure. ​
Wikipedia+1U.S. Geological Survey+1

Lava Flows: On December 8 and 9, lava escaped from the vent within Puʻu ʻŌʻō, recoating the crater floor. However, the extent of incandescent lava was limited during this time. ​
U.S. Geological Survey

The seismic event you mentioned aligns with the typical behavior of Kīlauea, where magma movement often induces earthquakes. Such interactions between seismic and volcanic activities are common in this region, reflecting the dynamic nature of Hawaiʻi’s geology.

stock here ———- Equinox coming March 20, Thursday

The equinoxes mark key moments in Earth’s orbital dynamics, and their geophysical effects can be subtle but significant. As Earth crosses the equinox, its orientation relative to the Sun changes, and this shift can influence geomagnetic activity, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and even seismic and volcanic activity. Let’s break this down.

1. Geomagnetic Effects Russell-McPherron Effect: The solar wind interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere is strongest around the equinoxes. This happens because Earth’s dipole magnetic field aligns more favorably for solar wind penetration.
   This can increase auroral activity and geomagnetic storms.
   If a coronal mass ejection (CME) arrives around the equinox, it has a greater chance of inducing strong geomagnetic disturbances.
   This also affects ionospheric conductivity, which can influence radio wave propagation and satellite communications. Impact on Earth’s Core & Magnetic Field:
   The fluid motion in Earth’s outer core, which generates the magnetic field, is affected by small variations in solar input and angular momentum.
   Some researchers suggest that small seasonal wobbles in Earth’s rotation could affect how the core and mantle interact, potentially influencing earthquake patterns.
2. Changes in Atmospheric Circulation Equinox and Atmospheric Angular Momentum:
   Earth’s atmosphere is a dynamic fluid system that reacts to changes in sunlight distribution.
   As the Sun shifts from one hemisphere to the other, jet streams reposition, affecting weather patterns and storm tracks.
   This can influence sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events, altering the polar vortex and leading to extreme weather changes. Cyclones & Severe Storms:
   The shift in atmospheric pressure patterns around the equinox can trigger an increase in cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes.
   Tornado frequency tends to increase in March-April (Northern Hemisphere) and September-October (Southern Hemisphere), coinciding with equinox-driven atmospheric transitions.
3. Ocean Currents & Tidal Effects Shifts in Equatorial Ocean Currents:
   Equinoxes influence global ocean current patterns, particularly near the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
   Seasonal shifts in ocean temperatures and wind patterns can trigger changes in major currents like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Tidal Effects:
   Around the equinoxes, Earth experiences “equinoctial tides,” which can be more extreme than usual due to the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
   These higher tides can amplify coastal erosion and storm surges.
4. Seismic & Volcanic Activity Does the Equinox Affect Earthquakes?
   Some research suggests a correlation between equinoxes and seismic activity, but the mechanism isn’t well understood.
   The idea is that as the Earth adjusts its axial tilt, small but measurable shifts in gravitational stress on tectonic plates occur.
   Historical data indicates some major earthquakes have clustered around the equinox, but the statistical significance is debated. Volcanic Activity & Magma Flow:
   Changes in solar heating around the equinox may influence the upper mantle and magma chambers.
   The redistribution of energy affects thermal expansion/contraction of the crust, potentially impacting magma movement.
   Some volcanologists have noticed a pattern of eruptions occurring in late March and late September, though it’s not yet a proven cause-and-effect relationship.
5. Earth’s Angular Momentum & Rotation Speed Chandler Wobble & Axial Precession:
   The Chandler Wobble, a small oscillation in Earth’s rotation, sometimes aligns with the equinoxes.
   This, combined with seasonal redistribution of mass (ice melt, ocean shifts, atmospheric pressure changes), can cause tiny variations in Earth’s rotation speed.
   GPS systems and satellites must account for these small variations.

Conclusion: The Equinox as a Geophysical Reset Point

The equinox represents a transition phase in how Earth interacts with the Sun, influencing:

Geomagnetic activity (stronger solar wind coupling)
Atmospheric shifts (storm patterns, jet stream repositioning)
Ocean current adjustments (ENSO dynamics, tidal extremes)
Possible seismic and volcanic activity (gravitational stress on plates)

While not every equinox leads to dramatic events, the shift in energy distribution across the planet can set off cascading effects in multiple Earth systems, making it a fascinating time for geophysical observation.