March 2, 2022 — Kīlauea spatter cone

Telephoto view taken on March 2, 2022, during an overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. In the center of the image, one of the spatter cones that has developed on the surface of the crater floor in recent weeks is visible. These features are similar to hornitos, which are steep and conical structures that form over lava tubes by accumulation of lava that is ejected from the crust. The presence of these features in the generally inactive eastern portion Halema‘uma‘u demonstrates that molten material is present under the solidified surface. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.