May 3, 2023 — USGS scientists installing a seismic node on Kīlauea

Two USGS scientists are seen here installing a seismic node. This node is one of over 1,800 that are currently being deployed for a survey designed to image structures beneath Kīlauea's summit. After the seismic nodes, which will blend into the natural landscape, are deployed, a large vehicle will slowly traverse roads near Kīlauea’s summit in May. The vehicle, called a Vibroseis, will create tiny seismic signals. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the USGS Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157, provided in response to Kīlauea’s 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse). USGS image by L. Gallant.