February 12, 2025 — Making measurements of Kīlauea eruption parameters

Early on February 12, 2025, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crews were able to measure lava fountain heights (45-50 m, or 148-164 feet), lava lake levels (about 19 m or 63 feet of vertical change from the fountain base to the distal lava flows), and lava flow velocities (14 meters per second, or 50 feet per second) before activity at both vents ceased over a 15 minute window. The caldera wall behind the vents is 180 meters (590 feet) tall, with about 30 meters (100 feet) of new lava added to the caldera floor in the vicinity of the vents since the eruption began on December 23, 2024. USGS photo by K. Lynn.