April 22, 2025 — Sampling Kīlauea lava
Detailed Description
HVO scientists participated in an overflight mission during episode 18 of the Halema‘uma‘u eruption. The crew landed on the crater floor to collect a molten lava sample, pictured here. HVO collects molten samples to retain a "snapshot" of the lava before extensive cooling. This preserves pre-eruptive information of the lava such as magma storage depths and temperatures. USGS photo by D. Downs.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.