June 5, 2026 — Scientist measures changes in elevation across the new pu‘u at Kīlauea after episode 48

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist surveys the elevation at a point along a transect across the new Pu‘u, formed from tephra fallout from the ongoing eruption at Kīlauea's summit. At each repeat measurement site, data is collected for at least 4 minutes. The geologist is on the south side of the Pu‘u and is looking north towards its summit. He is wearing personal protective equipment, including a gas mask. The estimated gas emission rate between episodes is currently between 1,000 and 5,000 tons sulfur dioxide per day. The gas mask allows the geologist to safely retreat if the wind blows the volcanic plume in their direction. USGS photo by N. Deligne.