Fissure 21 of Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption

On September 3, USGS HVO geologists also visited fissure 21 of Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption. Geologists investigated and documented vent features, and collected samples for ongoing analyses of 2018 eruption dynamics. View of fissure 21 from the northeast. A small hole has formed from collapse of the rampart. Several large collapse blocks and collapse piles surround this part of the fissure. Ramparts are prone to partial collapse after an eruption if the spatter does not weld together when the lava fountains are active. HVO extends a sincere mahalo to the residents who gave permission to access their property for the site visit.