Volcano Watch — The U.S. Geological Survey’s review process: checking and verifying our information
Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. Today's article is by Natalia Deligne, a geologist at HVO. Examples of information that the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory provides, including data of current activity, scientific publications, maps, and summaries (such as fact-sheets), and eruption response information. All have been part of the USGS review process. We start with HVO’s volcano and earthquake monitoring network, scientific research, and other techniques, such as field work, lab work, and other analyses. These form the basis of science-based information we provide through briefings
U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Wells by Production Rate
(Thu, 19 Dec 2024) Our Well Distribution Report presents historical, annual state-level data on well distribution by size and technology and analyzes emerging trends for 2023. Crude oil and natural gas wells drilled horizontally through hydrocarbon-bearing formations are among the most productive wells in the United States. The total number of horizontally drilled wells has increased 88% since 2014. In 2023, 77% of the more than 918,000 U.S. wells produced 15 barrels of oil equivalent per day or less. These wells are mostly older and drilled vertically.
India to surpass China as the top source of global oil consumption growth in 2024 and 2025
India has emerged as the leading source of growth in global oil consumption in 2024 and 2025, overtaking China this year, according to our December Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO). China’s oil consumption grew by more than India’s in almost every year from 1998 through 2023, with China’s oil consumption regularly growing more than any other country during those years.
What are gasoline sulfur credits, and how do they work?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Gasoline Sulfur program sets limits on the sulfur content of gasoline sold in the United States, with the aim of reducing a variety of vehicle emissions. The program relies on tradable credits that allow U.S. refiners and gasoline importers to reach compliance with sulfur specifications. For the second year in a row, in 2023, gasoline suppliers obtained and retired more sulfur credits than they generated, a trend that could increase supplier compliance costs and the price of octane in gasoline if it continues.
State Energy Data System: Electricity and energy indicators through 2023
(Fri, 13 Dec 2024) Annual state-level estimates of electricity end-use consumption, prices, and expenditures. Energy indicators data series include electric vehicle (EV) electricity consumption, EV charging infrastructure, electric capacity, and capacity and usage factors.
California law and refinery closure reflect ongoing challenges for the state’s fuel market
On October 14, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed bill Abx2-1 into law, empowering California regulators to set and adjust minimum petroleum product inventory levels for refiners in the state, in part to address the state's fuel price volatility. Shortly after, refiner Phillips 66 announced plans to close its Wilmington refinery in Los Angeles by the end of 2025, citing uncertainty surrounding the long-term sustainability of the refinery.
Argentina’s crude oil and natural gas production near record highs
Crude oil and natural gas production in Argentina are both nearing record highs, driven by increasing output from the Vaca Muerta shale formation, which is offsetting declining output from conventional oil and natural gas fields. From January 2021 through September 2024, crude oil production in Argentina increased by 50%, and natural gas production rose by 27%, lifting output of both fuels near the records set in the early 2000s, according to data from the country's energy ministry, the Secretaría de Energía de la República Argentina (SESCO).
Photo and Video Chronology — December 3, 2024 — Kīlauea summit webcam maintenance
The KWcam on the eastern rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) has been sending blurry images due water condensation inside the camera enclosure. On December 3rd, 2024, HVO staff visited the webcam to dry out the enclosure and search for any perforations that may be the source of the leak. USGS photo by H. Winslow. A HVO geologist inspected the KWcam enclosure for potential water entry points and found a weak seal. HVO staff will likely return in the future to make repairs to the enclosure or replace it all together. USGS photo by J. Barnett. HVO staff also visited the
Photo and Video Chronology — November 25, 2024 — Visiting the September 2024 Kīlauea eruption site
With permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, team of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the site of the September 2024 Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption. They surveyed, sampled, and documented the new volcanic fissures and features, which formed west of and in Nāpau crater from September 15–20, 2024. This view, taken on Monday, November 25, 2024, around 8 a.m., looks to the east from the west rim of Nāpau Crater. The September 2024 lava flows on the floor of Nāpau Crater are visible in the foreground while Pu‘u‘ō‘ō, active from 1983–2018, is visible in the background. USGS photo
Resilience Recovery Workshops Continue in the Center and South of the Island
Resilience Recovery Workshops Continue in the Center and South of the Island GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico ― The municipality of Aguas Buenas is located on the eastern side of the Central Mountain Range. It is composed of a mountainous topography, which makes this town prone to landslides during rainy periods. According to the municipality’s federal programs director, José Ortiz López, many communities were developed without considering issues such as runoff and water management, which has generated vulnerability for the roads that connect its residents. To mitigate these effects, the municipality of Aguas Buenas is collaborating with the Puerto Rico Landslides Hazard