March 21, 2025 — Kīlauea lava sample collection

On March 21, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists sampled a small lobe of active lava in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, which represented residual lava oozing out from beneath the solidified crater floor. These ooze-outs have been common following fountaining episodes. Chemical analyses of these samples will help us to understand the processes occurring beneath the surface, as the magma travels upwards to erupt. All sampling in this hazardous area is down with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and informs hazard assessment of the ongoing eruption. USGS photo by M. Patrick.