This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.
Matthew Patrick, Ph.D.
I am a geologist with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, conducting research and monitoring of active eruptions.
Professional Experience
US Geological Survey - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: Research Geologist, 2007-present
Michigan Tech University: Postdoctoral Researcher, 2006-2007
University of Hawaii Manoa: Postdoctoral Researcher, 2005-2006
Education and Certifications
University of Hawai‘i Mānoa Geology 8/02 – 8/05 Ph.D. 2005
University of Alaska Fairbanks Geology 8/99 – 5/02 M.S. 2002
Cornell University Geology 8/95 – 5/99 B.S. 1999
Science and Products
Timelapse and webcam images of the 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa, Island of Hawaiʻi
Sample details and near-real-time ED-XRF data collected during the 2020-2023 Halema‘uma‘u eruptions of Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Geospatial database of the 2022 summit and Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawai'i
Lava fountain heights and associated timelapse images during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Stochastic lava flow forecasting code used during the 2014-2015 Pāhoa lava flow crisis, Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawai‘i
Thermal camera images of lava lake and crater filling activity at Puʻuʻōʻō, East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, 2011-2019
Timelapse camera and webcam images of the fissure 8 lava flow during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Thermal maps of the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Photogrammetry-derived digital elevation models and source images for an inactive perched lava lake formed at Pu‘u‘ō‘ō (Kīlauea) in 2014
Thermal camera data for the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, 2019–2022
Elevation of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Kīlauea Volcano, from 2009 to 2018
Colorimeter data for the summit water lake at Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, 2020
This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.
This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.
This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.
This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.
This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.
This video shows eruptive activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Included are close-up views of the spatter cone built by the eruptive vent and of the lava stream exiting from the cone’s base.
This video shows eruptive activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Included are close-up views of the spatter cone built by the eruptive vent and of the lava stream exiting from the cone’s base.
The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.
The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.
This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.
This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.
A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.
A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.
This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins.
This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins.
This video, taken on February 10, 2022, shows lava upwelling at the western vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, before flowing into the lava lake to the east via a narrow channel.
This video, taken on February 10, 2022, shows lava upwelling at the western vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, before flowing into the lava lake to the east via a narrow channel.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, where a lava lake had been active from December 2020 until May 2021. Just after 4:40 p.m., a new vent opened on the west wall of the crater, and the initial moments were captured in this video.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, where a lava lake had been active from December 2020 until May 2021. Just after 4:40 p.m., a new vent opened on the west wall of the crater, and the initial moments were captured in this video.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous vents active on the west crater wall. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous vents active on the west crater wall. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous fountaining sources in the central portion of the lava lake during the evening of September 29, 2021. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous fountaining sources in the central portion of the lava lake during the evening of September 29, 2021. USGS video by M. Patrick.
HVO geologists made observations of Kīlauea's summit water lake from the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u. This view point is on the large downdropped block that subsided during the 2018 collapse events. From this spot, a view of the entire lake is possible, providing a new perspective on the growth of the lake.
HVO geologists made observations of Kīlauea's summit water lake from the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u. This view point is on the large downdropped block that subsided during the 2018 collapse events. From this spot, a view of the entire lake is possible, providing a new perspective on the growth of the lake.
The May 29 overflight provided updated thermal images of Kīlauea summit, covering the caldera floor and showing the warm surface of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. No significant changes were observed in the surface temperature of Kīlauea's summit crater lake.
The May 29 overflight provided updated thermal images of Kīlauea summit, covering the caldera floor and showing the warm surface of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. No significant changes were observed in the surface temperature of Kīlauea's summit crater lake.
The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions.
The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions.
On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.
On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.
Debris-flow monitoring on volcanoes via a novel usage of a laser rangefinder
Pulsing in the Ahu‘ailaʻau pond-spillway system during the 2018 Kilauea Eruption: A dynamical systems perspective
Pre-existing ground cracks as lava flow pathways at Kīlauea in 2014
Chemistry, growth, and fate of the unique, short-lived (2019–2020) water lake at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaii
Eruption of stagnant lava from an inactive perched lava lake
The 2018 eruption of Kīlauea: Insights, puzzles, and opportunities for volcano science
Lava fountain jet noise during the 2018 eruption of fissure 8 of Kīlauea volcano
Toward next-generation lava flow forecasting: Development of a fast, physics-based lava propagation model
Development, structure, and behavior of a perched lava channel at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi, during 2007
Damage assessment for the 2018 lower East Rift Zone lava flows of Kīlauea volcano, Hawaiʻi
Rainfall an unlikely trigger of Kilauea’s 2018 rift eruption
Crater growth and lava-lake dynamics revealed through multitemporal terrestrial lidar scanning at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
Science and Products
Timelapse and webcam images of the 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa, Island of Hawaiʻi
Sample details and near-real-time ED-XRF data collected during the 2020-2023 Halema‘uma‘u eruptions of Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Geospatial database of the 2022 summit and Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawai'i
Lava fountain heights and associated timelapse images during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Stochastic lava flow forecasting code used during the 2014-2015 Pāhoa lava flow crisis, Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawai‘i
Thermal camera images of lava lake and crater filling activity at Puʻuʻōʻō, East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, 2011-2019
Timelapse camera and webcam images of the fissure 8 lava flow during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Thermal maps of the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi
Photogrammetry-derived digital elevation models and source images for an inactive perched lava lake formed at Pu‘u‘ō‘ō (Kīlauea) in 2014
Thermal camera data for the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, 2019–2022
Elevation of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Kīlauea Volcano, from 2009 to 2018
Colorimeter data for the summit water lake at Kīlauea Volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, 2020
This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.
This video was captured from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on June 18, 2023. The video shows fountaining at the southwest wall eruptive vent, and lava pouring into a channel at the base of the spatter cone to spread onto the crater floor.
This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.
This video was captured during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory helicopter overflight at the Kīlauea summit eruption on June 16, 2023. Activity is focused at the eruptive vent on the southwest wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with lava fountaining visible at the top of the spatter cone.
This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.
This video was captured June 16, 2023 from the western rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava fountaining can be seen at the top of the spatter cone built around the southwest wall eruptive vent, with lava erupting from the base of the cone as well.
This video shows eruptive activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Included are close-up views of the spatter cone built by the eruptive vent and of the lava stream exiting from the cone’s base.
This video shows eruptive activity within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Included are close-up views of the spatter cone built by the eruptive vent and of the lava stream exiting from the cone’s base.
The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.
The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.
This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.
This timelapse sequence shows one image per day since March from the B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The images show that the floor of Halema‘uma‘u has been growing endogenously.
A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.
A routine helicopter overflight of the summit of Kīlauea provided airborne views of the lava within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The active lava lake is limited to the western portion of the crater floor, near the main source of white fume. The remainder of the crater floor consists of solidified lava flows.
This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins.
This time-lapse sequence is shown at 100x speed and shows the motion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava enters the lake at the west end (bottom of image) and flow steadily towards the east end, where the crust is consumed along the lake margins.
This video, taken on February 10, 2022, shows lava upwelling at the western vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, before flowing into the lava lake to the east via a narrow channel.
This video, taken on February 10, 2022, shows lava upwelling at the western vent, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea, before flowing into the lava lake to the east via a narrow channel.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, where a lava lake had been active from December 2020 until May 2021. Just after 4:40 p.m., a new vent opened on the west wall of the crater, and the initial moments were captured in this video.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, where a lava lake had been active from December 2020 until May 2021. Just after 4:40 p.m., a new vent opened on the west wall of the crater, and the initial moments were captured in this video.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous vents active on the west crater wall. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous vents active on the west crater wall. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous fountaining sources in the central portion of the lava lake during the evening of September 29, 2021. USGS video by M. Patrick.
A new Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater began at approximately 3:20 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021, with fountains appearing on the central crater floor, creating a new lava lake. This video shows numerous fountaining sources in the central portion of the lava lake during the evening of September 29, 2021. USGS video by M. Patrick.
HVO geologists made observations of Kīlauea's summit water lake from the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u. This view point is on the large downdropped block that subsided during the 2018 collapse events. From this spot, a view of the entire lake is possible, providing a new perspective on the growth of the lake.
HVO geologists made observations of Kīlauea's summit water lake from the east rim of Halema‘uma‘u. This view point is on the large downdropped block that subsided during the 2018 collapse events. From this spot, a view of the entire lake is possible, providing a new perspective on the growth of the lake.
The May 29 overflight provided updated thermal images of Kīlauea summit, covering the caldera floor and showing the warm surface of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. No significant changes were observed in the surface temperature of Kīlauea's summit crater lake.
The May 29 overflight provided updated thermal images of Kīlauea summit, covering the caldera floor and showing the warm surface of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. No significant changes were observed in the surface temperature of Kīlauea's summit crater lake.
The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions.
The ongoing eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions.
On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.
On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.