October 6, 2026 — New ground cracks from recent intrusion at Kīlauea summit, backpack for scale

The largest new crack observed on the northern part of Kīlauea caldera floor during a field visit on October 6, 2026, was measured at 15 cm (6 inches) wide. The sharp edge of the tephra deposit above the crack, as well as delicate suspended roots that were pulled apart in the crack, help indicate that this is a new crack and not an older, existing one. USGS photo by M. Patrick.