December 23, 2024 - Collecting a lava sample

During an overflight at 2:30 p.m. HST today, December 23, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were able to collect a molten sample of lava from the new eruption within Kaluapele. Kaluapele, the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano, is the sacred home of the elemental force associated with volcanoes—Pele. Analysis of molten samples, collected with permission from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, provides important information on the magma storage conditions before it erupted on the surface. After collection, molten samples are quickly quenched with cool water to preserve the geochemistry of the molten material. USGS photo by M. Patrick.