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January 5, 2021—Kīlauea summit topographic changes

Detailed Description

Topography of Halema'uma'u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, on December 26, 2020 (left), and January 5, 2021 (right). These Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are created from aerial imagery collected during helicopter overflights. They show that the lava lake within Halema'uma'u continues to rise and deepen. Eruptive vents are evident on the wall of Halema'uma'u, with the north, inactive vent being progressively buried as the lava lake rises. The largest "island" that was oriented in an east-west direction along its long axis on Dec. 26 was oriented in a north-south direction on Jan. 5, and had drifted closer to west end of the lava lake and active west vents. As of yesterday, Jan. 5, the lava lake is 192 m (630 ft) deep. Halema'uma'u DEMs by B. Carr. Graphic by K. Mulliken. 

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.