Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Kīlauea Volcano — Thermal Camera Measurement

Detailed Description

An HVO geologist uses a thermal camera to measure the temperature (about 93 degrees C or 200 degrees F) of a ground crack near fissure 9. In the lower East Rift Zone, a field geologist's daily duties can include monitoring ground cracks for temperature and gas changes, measuring heights of lava fountains and cinder cones, and tracking lava's speed at various locations. Geologists also monitor for channel overflows and collect tephra samples for geochemical analysis. The information is used to understand more about how the fissure complex behaves and informs the USGS's assessment of hazards.

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.