March 4, 2025 — Lava flows in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano

During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kīlauea eruption monitoring overflight on March 4, 2025, geology field crews sampled a viscous molten lava flow on the eastern margin of the lake. This flow is likely an ooze out from the molten lake interior, and represents lava erupted in previous episodes. This sample will help USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists identify the previously erupted component of the samples from each recent eruption episode, which contributes to ongoing eruption hazard assessment. This view is to the west, with the vents in the background not visible due to the topography. USGS photo by K. Lynn.