A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist uses a laser rangefinder to collect fountain height measurements from the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. Fountain heights reached approximately 30–35 m (100–115 ft) on the morning of December 30, 2024.
Multimedia
The USGS Volcano Observatories host videos, photos, web camera views, and sometimes podcasts to share visual and audio information about volcanic eruptions and volcanic processes.
USGS Volcano Observatories Multimedia
USGS Volcano Observatories Multimedia
Check out the photos, videos, webcams, and other multimedia from the USGS Volcano Observatories.
Images
December 30, 2024 Kīlauea summit eruption
A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist uses a laser rangefinder to collect fountain height measurements from the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. Fountain heights reached approximately 30–35 m (100–115 ft) on the morning of December 30, 2024.
Pre-dawn lava fountains and flows in Halema‘uma‘u crater
Photo of the lava fountains and flows within the western part of Halema‘uma‘u crater just before dawn on December 30, 2024. The lava fountains have started to build scoria cones around themselves with the fountains consistently reaching to 30 m (100 ft) high. These fountains are feeding lava flows that have covered the western quarter of the crater floor.
Photo of the lava fountains and flows within the western part of Halema‘uma‘u crater just before dawn on December 30, 2024. The lava fountains have started to build scoria cones around themselves with the fountains consistently reaching to 30 m (100 ft) high. These fountains are feeding lava flows that have covered the western quarter of the crater floor.
Close-up view of the lava fountains along the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u
A close-up photo taken just before dawn of the lava fountains in the western part of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit, on December 30, 2024. These lava fountains are consistently reaching 30 m (100 ft) high and building a spatter cone that is about 20 m (65 ft) high, 95 m (310 ft) long, and 60 m (200 ft) wide. Photo by U.S. Geological Survey geologist D.
A close-up photo taken just before dawn of the lava fountains in the western part of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit, on December 30, 2024. These lava fountains are consistently reaching 30 m (100 ft) high and building a spatter cone that is about 20 m (65 ft) high, 95 m (310 ft) long, and 60 m (200 ft) wide. Photo by U.S. Geological Survey geologist D.
Close-up view of lava flows within Halema‘uma‘u crater
Photo of the lava flows in the western part of Halema‘uma‘u crater just before dawn on December 30, 2024. These lava flows are reaching about 2,300 ft (or 700 m) from their source at the lava fountains and covering the pre-existing topography. The flows currently cover about a quarter of the western part of the crater floor. Photo by U.S.
Photo of the lava flows in the western part of Halema‘uma‘u crater just before dawn on December 30, 2024. These lava flows are reaching about 2,300 ft (or 700 m) from their source at the lava fountains and covering the pre-existing topography. The flows currently cover about a quarter of the western part of the crater floor. Photo by U.S.
Aerial view of the active and inactive parts of the December 2024 flow field
Aerial view looking to the southwest of the active and inactive parts of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The dark black lava in the foreground covered most of the crater floor on the first day of the eruption, starting around 2:20 a.m. on December 23, 2024.
Aerial view looking to the southwest of the active and inactive parts of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The dark black lava in the foreground covered most of the crater floor on the first day of the eruption, starting around 2:20 a.m. on December 23, 2024.
Fissure fountain from helicopter overflight on December 30
An Aerial view of two eruptive cones in the southwest corner of Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea's summit on the morning of December 30, 2024. The fissure fountains reached heights of approximately 30 meters (100 ft) and lava flows continue to cover a portion of the crater floor. USGS photo by H. Winslow.
An Aerial view of two eruptive cones in the southwest corner of Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea's summit on the morning of December 30, 2024. The fissure fountains reached heights of approximately 30 meters (100 ft) and lava flows continue to cover a portion of the crater floor. USGS photo by H. Winslow.
Videos
Biscuit Basin Hydrothermal Explosion Update (Yellowstone Monthly Update — October 2024)
Let’s get you caught up on what we’ve learned about the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin, in this Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for October 2024.
Read Caldera Chronicles
Let’s get you caught up on what we’ve learned about the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin, in this Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for October 2024.
Read Caldera Chronicles
Is there oil in Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - September 2024)
Is it true that there's oil in Yellowstone? Watch this month's Yellowstone Monthly update and find out.
Is it true that there's oil in Yellowstone? Watch this month's Yellowstone Monthly update and find out.
Morning Glory Pool Was Blue? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - July 2024)
The beautiful Morning Glory pool is located near Old Faithful. However, it has changed over time because of people and past climate. But how?
The beautiful Morning Glory pool is located near Old Faithful. However, it has changed over time because of people and past climate. But how?
Gas Geochemistry and the USAID-USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program
The purpose of the USAID USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program is to make sure that volcanic eruptions don't become volcanic disasters. VDAP’s focus is to support volcano observatories through a combination of in-country or virtual support during volcanic eruptions or unrest and long-term capacity building through donations and training.
The purpose of the USAID USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program is to make sure that volcanic eruptions don't become volcanic disasters. VDAP’s focus is to support volcano observatories through a combination of in-country or virtual support during volcanic eruptions or unrest and long-term capacity building through donations and training.
Swimming Pools at Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2024)
Up until the 1950s, visitors to the Old Faithful area could take a dip. Not at a geyser, but in a real swimming pool. The full story is in this month’s video update.
Up until the 1950s, visitors to the Old Faithful area could take a dip. Not at a geyser, but in a real swimming pool. The full story is in this month’s video update.
Flyover of Southwest Rift Zone (June 3, 2024)
During an overflight at approximately 6 a.m., USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed the fissures system that opened on the upper portion of the Southwest Rift Zone early this morning. Approximately half a mile (about 1 km) in length, only the southwest portion of the system was active by daylight.
During an overflight at approximately 6 a.m., USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed the fissures system that opened on the upper portion of the Southwest Rift Zone early this morning. Approximately half a mile (about 1 km) in length, only the southwest portion of the system was active by daylight.
Audio
Lava lake activity from inside Halema`uma`u Crater
Sounds of lava lake activity within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent inside Halema`uma`u Crater on the afternoon of February 14, 2011. The continuous "crashing wave" noise is the sound of churning lava as gases are released from the lake surface, which is in nearly constant motion.
Sounds of lava lake activity within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent inside Halema`uma`u Crater on the afternoon of February 14, 2011. The continuous "crashing wave" noise is the sound of churning lava as gases are released from the lake surface, which is in nearly constant motion.
How far did the ash from Mount St. Helens travel?
Welcome to CoreFacts, where we're always short on time and big on science. I'm Brian Campbell. Today's question is …
How far did the ash from Mount St. Helens travel?
Welcome to CoreFacts, where we're always short on time and big on science. I'm Brian Campbell. Today's question is …
How far did the ash from Mount St. Helens travel?
Where did the name "Mount St. Helens" come from?
Listen to hear the answer.
Dramatic Developments at Kilauea Volcano
Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has experienced its first explosive eruption in more than 80 years and is now spewing noxious gas at 10 times the normal rate. John Eichelberger, head of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, fills us in on the situation.
Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii has experienced its first explosive eruption in more than 80 years and is now spewing noxious gas at 10 times the normal rate. John Eichelberger, head of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, fills us in on the situation.
Webcams
Johnston Ridge Observatory, Mount St. Helens
A debris flow in Mount St.
[HLcam] Live Image of Mauna Loa's northwest flank from Hualālai volcano
Live view of the northwest flank of Mauna Loa; the view is from the southeast flank of Hualālai [HLcam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.
Live view of the northwest flank of Mauna Loa; the view is from the southeast flank of Hualālai [HLcam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.
[MK2cam] Mauna Loa's Summit and Northeast Rift Zone from Mauna Kea
Live Image of Mauna Loa's Summit and Northeast Rift Zone from Mauna Kea [MK2cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.
Live Image of Mauna Loa's Summit and Northeast Rift Zone from Mauna Kea [MK2cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.
[V1] Kīlauea caldera views
Live view of Kīlauea caldera, from the northwest rim of the caldera [V1cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.
Disclaimer
Live view of Kīlauea caldera, from the northwest rim of the caldera [V1cam]. This camera is a pan-tilt-zoom model and the view may change depending on activity.
Disclaimer
[PScam] Puʻu ʻŌʻō South Flank from the South Rim
This image is from a temporary research camera positioned just south of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, looking north at the southern flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō's cone.
Disclaimer
This image is from a temporary research camera positioned just south of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, looking north at the southern flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō's cone.
Disclaimer
[B1cam] - Kīlauea caldera down-dropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu
Live view of Kīlauea caldera down-dropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the east rim of the caldera.
Live view of Kīlauea caldera down-dropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the east rim of the caldera.