MagmaSync is an informational tool only. Data may be delayed or inaccurate. In any volcanic emergency, follow instructions from your local civil defense authority and official government sources. Do not rely on this app for safety decisions.
About
What is MagmaSync?
MagmaSync is an iPhone app that helps you stay informed about Kīlauea volcano activity on Hawaii's Big Island. It displays real-time data sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program and Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO), and delivers AI-powered eruption forecasts and push notifications.
MagmaSync is designed for general awareness and educational purposes. It is not an emergency alert system and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USGS or any government agency. Always rely on official sources for safety-critical information.
Features
What MagmaSync Does
AI Eruption Forecast
AI-powered eruption probability windows showing current volcanic activity status and timing estimates. For informational purposes only — not an official forecast.
Volcano Alert Levels
Real-time USGS ground-based alert levels (Normal, Advisory, Watch, Warning) and aviation color codes (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory.
Observatory Messages
Live feed of official messages published by the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO), exactly as released by USGS scientists.
Push Notifications
Configurable push notifications for alert level changes, new observatory messages, and updated eruption forecast windows. Delivery is not guaranteed in real time.
AI-Powered Summaries
On-device Apple Intelligence summaries of observatory messages for quick overviews. Machine-generated — always read the original message for accuracy.
Translation
Machine translation of observatory messages and summaries into 50+ languages using Apple's on-device Translation framework. May be inaccurate for technical content.
Reference
Alert Levels Explained
Volcano Alert Levels
| Normal | Non-erupting volcano exhibiting typical background activity. No eruption is anticipated. |
| Advisory | Volcano exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background activity. Could develop into an eruption. |
| Watch | Heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption. Eruption may be occurring with limited hazards. |
| Warning | Major volcanic eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected. Eruption may pose significant hazards to ground or aviation. |
Aviation Color Codes
Volcano non-eruptive with typical background activity.
Elevated unrest, potential for eruption change affecting aviation.
Eruption with limited ash, or heightened unrest with eruption possible.
Eruption with significant ash emission impacting aviation.
Alert levels and aviation color codes are defined by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). MagmaSync is not affiliated with or endorsed by USGS.
Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I not getting notifications?
First, check your iPhone system settings: Settings → Notifications → MagmaSync and ensure notifications are allowed.
Inside the app, tap the settings icon in the top-right corner and verify that the individual notification toggles are enabled: Status Update, Message Update, and Next Forecast Window.
Note that notifications may experience network or processing delays. They are delivered via Firebase Cloud Messaging and are not guaranteed to arrive in real time. Notifications are for informational purposes only.
How accurate is the AI eruption forecast?
The AI eruption forecast window is updated periodically based on available volcano monitoring data from USGS. However, volcanic activity is inherently unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly without warning.
The forecast is provided for general awareness only. It is not an official USGS forecast and may be inaccurate or out of date. Do not use it to make safety decisions.
What do the alert levels mean?
There are two parallel alert systems displayed in the app:
Volcano Alert Level describes ground-based volcanic hazards: Normal, Advisory, Watch, or Warning.
Aviation Color Code describes hazards to aircraft from volcanic ash: Green, Yellow, Orange, or Red.
In most cases they move together, but they can differ when ground hazards and aviation hazards are at different levels. See the Alert Levels section above for full definitions.
Can I use MagmaSync in an emergency?
No. MagmaSync is NOT an emergency service.
In a volcanic emergency, always follow instructions from your local civil defense authority (e.g., Hawaii Emergency Management Agency), consult official USGS and HVO communications directly, and call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life.
App data may be delayed or inaccurate. Do not rely on MagmaSync for evacuation decisions or other safety-critical actions.
What data source does the app use?
MagmaSync displays data sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program, specifically the Hawaii Volcano Observatory (HVO). USGS data is produced by the U.S. Government and is in the public domain.
MagmaSync is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Geological Survey or any U.S. government agency.
How do I change my notification settings?
In the app, tap the settings icon in the top-right corner of the main screen. Under Push Notifications, you can toggle on or off:
- Status Updates — alert level or aviation color code changes
- Message Updates — new messages from HVO
- Next Forecast Window Updates — updated eruption forecast windows
If toggles are grayed out, check your iPhone system notification permissions at Settings → Notifications → MagmaSync.
What languages are supported for translation?
MagmaSync uses Apple's on-device Translation framework, which supports 50+ languages. Supported languages depend on your device's iOS version and installed language packs. A language pack may need to download on first use; after that, translation works offline.
For AI Summaries (Apple Intelligence), supported languages are determined by your device's Apple Intelligence language configuration.
Translations are machine-generated and may be inaccurate, especially for technical or scientific volcanic monitoring terminology. Do not rely on translated content for safety decisions.
Contact
Get in Touch
Questions, feedback, or issues with the app? Send a message directly to the developer.
Response times may vary. For volcano safety information or emergencies, contact official authorities.