Puhimau thermal area has the largest naturally occurring population of the endan

Puhimau thermal area has the largest naturally occurring population of the endangered plant, Portulaca sclerocarpa (marked by the blue flag in the photo), and is the site of National Park Service restoration efforts for this species. Plant size and vigor were recorded for plants in the proximity of the CO2 and temperature measurements to determine how these abiotic parameters may be influencing plant survivorship and growth. The data collected in this study will be used to inform volcano monitoring, hazards mitigation, and vegetation and area management efforts. USGS image by P. Nadeau.