Rise and fall of Kīlauea's summit lava lake

On September 10, 2016, Kīlauea Volcano's summit lava lake rose to within 5 m (16 ft) of the vent rim (shown above). This is the highest level the lake has reached since it overflowed the vent in April-May 2015, when lava flowed onto the floor of Halema‘uma‘u Crater, forming the dark-colored rock visible on either side of the vent. Charred and broken fencing (upper left) is all that remains of a former visitor overlook, closed to the public since 2008 due to explosions, volcanic gas emissions, and other hazards associated with the lava lake. USGS photo.