A new tephra lab for HVO eruption monitoring

Left: 3D scanner and a pycnometer used to measure the density of tephra samples. Center: A close-up view of several pieces of tephra collected by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists for analysis. The tephra, produced by the fissures erupting within Halema‘um‘u crater, is transported and deposited downwind of the eruptive vents. USGS photo taken by C. Parcheta on December 23, 2020. Right: Stereoscope and Petrographic microscope for textural and mineral studies.