January 16, 2026 — Collecting a sample of a recent Kīlauea lava flow in Halema'uma'u crater

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist collects a sample of the short lava flows that were erupted from the south vent just before episode 40 lava fountaining began on January 12, 2026. All sampling in Halema‘uma‘u crater is done with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The chemistry of these lava flows is studied to better understand the magma plumbing system and assess volcanic hazards during the ongoing eruption. USGS photo by M. Patrick.