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Hot lava samples provide important information about what's going on in a volcano's magma chambers.
We know from laboratory experiments that the more magnesium there is in magma, the hotter it is. Chemical analysis, therefore, provides the means not only to determine the crystallization history of lava but also to establish the temperature at which it was erupted.
For example, Kilauea's 1997 lavas are chemically different from lavas erupted from 1985 to 1997. Chemical analyses show that magma was supplied by two distinct magma bodies.
Learn more:
Scientists use the term magma for molten rock that is underground and lava for molten rock that breaks through the Earth's surface.
Very hot!! Here are some temperatures recorded at different times and locations: The eruption temperature of Kīlauea lava is about 1,170 degrees Celsius (2,140 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature of the lava in the tubes is about 1,250 degrees Celsius (2,200 degrees Fahrenheit). The tube system of episode 53 (Pu'u O'o eruption) carried lava for 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the vent to the sea...
Volcanoes are inherently beautiful places where forces of nature combine to produce awesome events and spectacular landscapes. For volcanologists, they're FUN to work on! Safety is, however, always the primary concern because volcanoes can be dangerous places. USGS scientists try hard to understand the risk inherent in any situation, then train and equip themselves with the tools and support...
There are many paths to becoming a volcanologist. Most include a college or graduate school education in a scientific or technical field, but the range of specialties is very large. Training in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, biology, biochemistry, mathematics, statistics, engineering, atmospheric science, remote sensing, and related fields can be applied to the study of volcanoes and the...
There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. According to a 2018 USGS assessment, 57 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more...
Halema‘uma‘u is a culturally significant location, being the home of Pele—the Native Hawaiian deity associated with lava. USGS scientists access this area of Kīlauea summit with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. On June 9, 2026, USGS scientists landed on the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor to collect lava flow samples from episode 48.
Halema‘uma‘u is a culturally significant location, being the home of Pele—the Native Hawaiian deity associated with lava. USGS scientists access this area of Kīlauea summit with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. On June 9, 2026, USGS scientists landed on the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor to collect lava flow samples from episode 48.
During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit on May 12, 2026, scientists landed on Halema‘uma‘u crater floor with permission from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit on May 12, 2026, scientists landed on Halema‘uma‘u crater floor with permission from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
During an overflight at 2:30 p.m. HST today, December 23, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were able to collect a molten sample of lava from the new eruption within Kaluapele. Kaluapele, the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano, is the sacred home of the elemental force associated with volcanoes—Pele.
During an overflight at 2:30 p.m. HST today, December 23, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were able to collect a molten sample of lava from the new eruption within Kaluapele. Kaluapele, the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano, is the sacred home of the elemental force associated with volcanoes—Pele.
An HVO geologist collects a sample of active lava for chemical analysis. The lava is quenched with water in the metal bucket.
An HVO geologist collects a sample of active lava for chemical analysis. The lava is quenched with water in the metal bucket.
This is an animated GIF, taken from a longer video, showing the moment that this geologist from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scoops up lava from an active flow and drops it into a bucket of water to cool it down.
This is an animated GIF, taken from a longer video, showing the moment that this geologist from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scoops up lava from an active flow and drops it into a bucket of water to cool it down.
This Quicktime video shows lava sample collection from the perspective of an HVO geologist.
This Quicktime video shows lava sample collection from the perspective of an HVO geologist.
An HVO geologist collects a sample of lava, quenching it in a bucket of water. Chemical analysis of the lava provides insight into changes in the magma plumbing system.
An HVO geologist collects a sample of lava, quenching it in a bucket of water. Chemical analysis of the lava provides insight into changes in the magma plumbing system.
Preview image for video: shows an HVO geologist sampling lava on the June 27th lava flow using a rock hammer. The lava is placed into a bucket of water to quench the sample. Lava samples like this are routinely collected for chemical analysis, which provides insight into the magmatic system feeding the eruption.
Preview image for video: shows an HVO geologist sampling lava on the June 27th lava flow using a rock hammer. The lava is placed into a bucket of water to quench the sample. Lava samples like this are routinely collected for chemical analysis, which provides insight into the magmatic system feeding the eruption.
An HVO geologist shields his face from intense heat as he dips a rock hammer into an active pāhoehoe toe. After scooping out the lava it is placed in the water to quench it. HVO routinely collects lava samples for chemical analysis, which can give insight into changes in the magmatic system.
An HVO geologist shields his face from intense heat as he dips a rock hammer into an active pāhoehoe toe. After scooping out the lava it is placed in the water to quench it. HVO routinely collects lava samples for chemical analysis, which can give insight into changes in the magmatic system.
An HVO geologist shields his face from the intense heat as he takes a sample of active lava on the Kahauale‘a 2 flow. The chemistry of the lava is analyzed through time and used to study changes in the magmatic system.
An HVO geologist shields his face from the intense heat as he takes a sample of active lava on the Kahauale‘a 2 flow. The chemistry of the lava is analyzed through time and used to study changes in the magmatic system.
Geologist taking a sample from a recently formed skylight on the Quarry flow lava tube. Samples collected directly from the lava tube are usually the best samples for chemical analysis.
Geologist taking a sample from a recently formed skylight on the Quarry flow lava tube. Samples collected directly from the lava tube are usually the best samples for chemical analysis.
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph.
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph.
An HVO geologist takes a sample of active lava within a lava tube. The fluid lava sticks to the heavy hammer head at the end of the cable when it is lowered into the swiftly moving lava stream. These samples are analyzed routinely to track changes in lava chemistry.
An HVO geologist takes a sample of active lava within a lava tube. The fluid lava sticks to the heavy hammer head at the end of the cable when it is lowered into the swiftly moving lava stream. These samples are analyzed routinely to track changes in lava chemistry.
USGS scientist Cynthia Gardner examines fresh rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome,
USGS scientist Cynthia Gardner examines fresh rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome,
Scientists use the term magma for molten rock that is underground and lava for molten rock that breaks through the Earth's surface.
Very hot!! Here are some temperatures recorded at different times and locations: The eruption temperature of Kīlauea lava is about 1,170 degrees Celsius (2,140 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature of the lava in the tubes is about 1,250 degrees Celsius (2,200 degrees Fahrenheit). The tube system of episode 53 (Pu'u O'o eruption) carried lava for 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the vent to the sea...
Volcanoes are inherently beautiful places where forces of nature combine to produce awesome events and spectacular landscapes. For volcanologists, they're FUN to work on! Safety is, however, always the primary concern because volcanoes can be dangerous places. USGS scientists try hard to understand the risk inherent in any situation, then train and equip themselves with the tools and support...
There are many paths to becoming a volcanologist. Most include a college or graduate school education in a scientific or technical field, but the range of specialties is very large. Training in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, biology, biochemistry, mathematics, statistics, engineering, atmospheric science, remote sensing, and related fields can be applied to the study of volcanoes and the...
There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. According to a 2018 USGS assessment, 57 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more...
Halema‘uma‘u is a culturally significant location, being the home of Pele—the Native Hawaiian deity associated with lava. USGS scientists access this area of Kīlauea summit with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. On June 9, 2026, USGS scientists landed on the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor to collect lava flow samples from episode 48.
Halema‘uma‘u is a culturally significant location, being the home of Pele—the Native Hawaiian deity associated with lava. USGS scientists access this area of Kīlauea summit with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. On June 9, 2026, USGS scientists landed on the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor to collect lava flow samples from episode 48.
During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit on May 12, 2026, scientists landed on Halema‘uma‘u crater floor with permission from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit on May 12, 2026, scientists landed on Halema‘uma‘u crater floor with permission from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
During an overflight at 2:30 p.m. HST today, December 23, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were able to collect a molten sample of lava from the new eruption within Kaluapele. Kaluapele, the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano, is the sacred home of the elemental force associated with volcanoes—Pele.
During an overflight at 2:30 p.m. HST today, December 23, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were able to collect a molten sample of lava from the new eruption within Kaluapele. Kaluapele, the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano, is the sacred home of the elemental force associated with volcanoes—Pele.
An HVO geologist collects a sample of active lava for chemical analysis. The lava is quenched with water in the metal bucket.
An HVO geologist collects a sample of active lava for chemical analysis. The lava is quenched with water in the metal bucket.
This is an animated GIF, taken from a longer video, showing the moment that this geologist from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scoops up lava from an active flow and drops it into a bucket of water to cool it down.
This is an animated GIF, taken from a longer video, showing the moment that this geologist from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scoops up lava from an active flow and drops it into a bucket of water to cool it down.
This Quicktime video shows lava sample collection from the perspective of an HVO geologist.
This Quicktime video shows lava sample collection from the perspective of an HVO geologist.
An HVO geologist collects a sample of lava, quenching it in a bucket of water. Chemical analysis of the lava provides insight into changes in the magma plumbing system.
An HVO geologist collects a sample of lava, quenching it in a bucket of water. Chemical analysis of the lava provides insight into changes in the magma plumbing system.
Preview image for video: shows an HVO geologist sampling lava on the June 27th lava flow using a rock hammer. The lava is placed into a bucket of water to quench the sample. Lava samples like this are routinely collected for chemical analysis, which provides insight into the magmatic system feeding the eruption.
Preview image for video: shows an HVO geologist sampling lava on the June 27th lava flow using a rock hammer. The lava is placed into a bucket of water to quench the sample. Lava samples like this are routinely collected for chemical analysis, which provides insight into the magmatic system feeding the eruption.
An HVO geologist shields his face from intense heat as he dips a rock hammer into an active pāhoehoe toe. After scooping out the lava it is placed in the water to quench it. HVO routinely collects lava samples for chemical analysis, which can give insight into changes in the magmatic system.
An HVO geologist shields his face from intense heat as he dips a rock hammer into an active pāhoehoe toe. After scooping out the lava it is placed in the water to quench it. HVO routinely collects lava samples for chemical analysis, which can give insight into changes in the magmatic system.
An HVO geologist shields his face from the intense heat as he takes a sample of active lava on the Kahauale‘a 2 flow. The chemistry of the lava is analyzed through time and used to study changes in the magmatic system.
An HVO geologist shields his face from the intense heat as he takes a sample of active lava on the Kahauale‘a 2 flow. The chemistry of the lava is analyzed through time and used to study changes in the magmatic system.
Geologist taking a sample from a recently formed skylight on the Quarry flow lava tube. Samples collected directly from the lava tube are usually the best samples for chemical analysis.
Geologist taking a sample from a recently formed skylight on the Quarry flow lava tube. Samples collected directly from the lava tube are usually the best samples for chemical analysis.
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph.
This image shows an HVO geologist sampling the lava that was seeping out of the interior of the rootless shield. The lava was placed in a bucket of water to quench the sample. The top frame is a normal photograph, while the bottom frame is a thermal image taken within a fraction of a second of the photograph.
An HVO geologist takes a sample of active lava within a lava tube. The fluid lava sticks to the heavy hammer head at the end of the cable when it is lowered into the swiftly moving lava stream. These samples are analyzed routinely to track changes in lava chemistry.
An HVO geologist takes a sample of active lava within a lava tube. The fluid lava sticks to the heavy hammer head at the end of the cable when it is lowered into the swiftly moving lava stream. These samples are analyzed routinely to track changes in lava chemistry.
USGS scientist Cynthia Gardner examines fresh rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome,
USGS scientist Cynthia Gardner examines fresh rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome,