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Color map of eruption at summit of volcano
January 6, 2023—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
January 6, 2023—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
January 6, 2023—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map

A new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano began at approximately 4:34 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023. This reference map depicts activity on the second day of the eruption, based on measurements taken from the crater rim at approximately 9:00 a.m. this morning.

A new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano began at approximately 4:34 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023. This reference map depicts activity on the second day of the eruption, based on measurements taken from the crater rim at approximately 9:00 a.m. this morning.

Color image of lava fountain
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater

This video, captured by the KWcam, shows a large burst of lava from the newly opened vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano at approximately 4:49 pm HST on January 5, 2023. This burst reached up to 50 meters (164 feet) high and sent a wave of lava across the crater floor.

This video, captured by the KWcam, shows a large burst of lava from the newly opened vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano at approximately 4:49 pm HST on January 5, 2023. This burst reached up to 50 meters (164 feet) high and sent a wave of lava across the crater floor.

red and orange lava showing through cracks in blackened lava crust
Lava erupting to fill over the surface of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, Jan 5 at 9:45 PM local Hawaii time.
Lava erupting to fill over the surface of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, Jan 5 at 9:45 PM local Hawaii time.
Lava erupting to fill over the surface of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, Jan 5 at 9:45 PM local Hawaii time.

This photograph from 9:45 PM January 5, 2023 shows the entire Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor in Kīlauea’s summit caldera resurfaced with new lava that welled out from below the central island.

Color photograph of volcanic vent opening
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023

During the early morning hours of January 5, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were closely monitoring an increase in earthquake activity and changes in the patterns of ground deformation at Kīlauea’s summit, indicating movement of magma in the subsurface.

Color photograph of eruption in crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater

On January 5, 2023, HVO’s KW webcam captured dramatic bursts of lava from a new vent that opened in Halemaʻumaʻu crater and a wave of lava that moved out onto the crater floor. USGS webcam image. 

person standing on edge of open crater with three cameras. orange lava erupting and flowing into crater.
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist documents the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption began just after 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023, and remains confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by D. Downs.

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist documents the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption began just after 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023, and remains confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by D. Downs.

person standing next to deep crater next to camera tripod
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Hunga Tonga pressure waves
Hunga Tonga 2.JPG
Hunga Tonga 2.JPG
Hunga Tonga 2.JPG

The large HTHH volcanic explosion created fast low-frequency pressure waves that penetrated about 3.1 miles/5 kilometers into the shallow crust (shown in yellow). Wind and small explosions (shown in blue) create shorter pressure waves that only penetrate down about 328 feet/100 meters.

The large HTHH volcanic explosion created fast low-frequency pressure waves that penetrated about 3.1 miles/5 kilometers into the shallow crust (shown in yellow). Wind and small explosions (shown in blue) create shorter pressure waves that only penetrate down about 328 feet/100 meters.

Waveforms from Hunga Tonga eruption
Hunga Tonga 3.JPG
Hunga Tonga 3.JPG
Hunga Tonga 3.JPG

The waveforms of the ground motion recording and the pressure sensor recording from a station with both types of instruments (see second image above) match up, indicating that the pressure waves are causing the ground (crust) to deflect.

The waveforms of the ground motion recording and the pressure sensor recording from a station with both types of instruments (see second image above) match up, indicating that the pressure waves are causing the ground (crust) to deflect.

Color photo of volcanic rock fragments
Pele's hairs under a microscope
Pele's hairs under a microscope
Pele's hairs under a microscope

A tumbleweed of Pele’s hairs—collected near Saddle Road on November 29, 2022—viewed under a microscope. The scale bar in the lower right is 750 micrometers (0.03 inches) wide. The golden-brown glass strands are intertwined, whereas the thicker dark glass is rigid. The shape of the darker glass reflects the shape of the lava droplets as they quenched.

A tumbleweed of Pele’s hairs—collected near Saddle Road on November 29, 2022—viewed under a microscope. The scale bar in the lower right is 750 micrometers (0.03 inches) wide. The golden-brown glass strands are intertwined, whereas the thicker dark glass is rigid. The shape of the darker glass reflects the shape of the lava droplets as they quenched.

Color calendar of outreach events
Island of Hawai‘i Volcano Awareness Month 2023 calendar
Island of Hawai‘i Volcano Awareness Month 2023 calendar
Island of Hawai‘i Volcano Awareness Month 2023 calendar

January 2023 is the Island of Hawaiʻi's 14th annual Volcano Awareness Month. Presentations about Hawaiian volcanoes will be offered around the Island of Hawaiʻi throughout January 2023. 

January 2023 is the Island of Hawaiʻi's 14th annual Volcano Awareness Month. Presentations about Hawaiian volcanoes will be offered around the Island of Hawaiʻi throughout January 2023. 

Color photograph of scientist and instrument
December 23, 2022 — Mauna Loa post-eruption GPS survey
December 23, 2022 — Mauna Loa post-eruption GPS survey
December 23, 2022 — Mauna Loa post-eruption GPS survey

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist Ingrid Johanson checks on a survey-mode GPS instrument deployed near the summit of Mauna Loa. This survey will supplement HVO's network of continuous GPS instruments and provide higher spatial density of measurements for how Mauna Loa deformed during the recent eruption.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist Ingrid Johanson checks on a survey-mode GPS instrument deployed near the summit of Mauna Loa. This survey will supplement HVO's network of continuous GPS instruments and provide higher spatial density of measurements for how Mauna Loa deformed during the recent eruption.

Tripod covered in ice
December 23, 2022 — Mauna Loa post-eruption GPS survey
December 23, 2022 — Mauna Loa post-eruption GPS survey
December 23, 2022 — Mauna Loa post-eruption GPS survey

A tripod on Mauna Loa's summit and holding a GPS antenna for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's post-eruption survey of Mauna Loa was iced in during the recent Kona low storm. The ice broke away easily and there was no damage to the equipment.

A tripod on Mauna Loa's summit and holding a GPS antenna for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's post-eruption survey of Mauna Loa was iced in during the recent Kona low storm. The ice broke away easily and there was no damage to the equipment.

Color map of eruption
December 12, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map
December 12, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map
December 12, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa that began the evening of November 27, 2022, continues at greatly reduced levels as of December 12, 2022 (fifteenth full day). Only incandescence was observed within fissure 3 overnight. This morning, field crews heard small explosions accompanied by sprays of spatter from the west end of the fissure 3 vent.

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa that began the evening of November 27, 2022, continues at greatly reduced levels as of December 12, 2022 (fifteenth full day). Only incandescence was observed within fissure 3 overnight. This morning, field crews heard small explosions accompanied by sprays of spatter from the west end of the fissure 3 vent.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
December 12, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
December 12, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
December 12, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3

As of 7:00 a.m. on December 12, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed only residual incandescence and no lava movement in the fissure 3 vent on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. The channels below the vent appear drained of lava and no longer feed the main flow front. USGS image by F. Trusdell. 

As of 7:00 a.m. on December 12, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed only residual incandescence and no lava movement in the fissure 3 vent on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. The channels below the vent appear drained of lava and no longer feed the main flow front. USGS image by F. Trusdell. 

Color map of eruption
December 11, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map
December 11, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map
December 11, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa that began the evening of November 27, 2022, continues at greatly reduced levels as of December 11, 2022 (fourteenth full day). Only incandescence was observed within fissure 3 overnight.

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa that began the evening of November 27, 2022, continues at greatly reduced levels as of December 11, 2022 (fourteenth full day). Only incandescence was observed within fissure 3 overnight.

Color photograph of lava channel
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel

Just days, ago, lava was full in the channels from the fissure 3 eruption on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone. Over the past two days, the eruption output has greatly reduced. A pond of lava in the fissure 3 cone feeds short lava flows that extended only 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from the vent.

Just days, ago, lava was full in the channels from the fissure 3 eruption on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone. Over the past two days, the eruption output has greatly reduced. A pond of lava in the fissure 3 cone feeds short lava flows that extended only 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from the vent.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3

Aerial image of fissure 3 erupting on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone the morning of December 10, 2022. The eruption output has greatly decreased over the past two days and within the fissure 3 cone, geologists noted a small lava pond rather than a lava fountain. USGS image by K. Mulliken. 

Aerial image of fissure 3 erupting on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone the morning of December 10, 2022. The eruption output has greatly decreased over the past two days and within the fissure 3 cone, geologists noted a small lava pond rather than a lava fountain. USGS image by K. Mulliken. 

Color photograph of lava channel
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel

Just days, ago, lava was full in the channels from the fissure 3 eruption on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone. Over the past two days, the eruption output has greatly reduced. A pond of lava in the fissure 3 cone feeds short lava flows that extended only 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from the vent.

Just days, ago, lava was full in the channels from the fissure 3 eruption on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone. Over the past two days, the eruption output has greatly reduced. A pond of lava in the fissure 3 cone feeds short lava flows that extended only 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from the vent.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3

Aerial image of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. As of 7:00 a.m. today, December 10, a lava pond replaced the fountains at the fissure 3 vent. USGS image by J. Bard. 

Aerial image of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. As of 7:00 a.m. today, December 10, a lava pond replaced the fountains at the fissure 3 vent. USGS image by J. Bard. 

Color map of eruption
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map
December 10, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa that began the evening of November 27, 2022, continues at reduced levels as of December 10, 2022 (thirteenth full day).

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa that began the evening of November 27, 2022, continues at reduced levels as of December 10, 2022 (thirteenth full day).

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