Crusted-over Halema‘uma‘u lava pond on April 6, 2022

Recent changes in the Kīlauea summit eruption have seen the crusting-over of the lava pond near the western end of the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. This view of the lava pond vicinity was captured through the lens of a laser rangefinder on April 6, 2022, from the western rim of the crater. Although the pond is crusted over, the continued presence of molten lava beneath the surface is evidenced by two glowing openings at either end of the pond, which scientists observed to be ejecting low-level spatter every few seconds. The pond measures approximately 25 meters (82 feet) from its northern (lower-left) to southern (upper-right) end. USGS image by M. Zoeller.