Thermal image showing Halema‘uma‘u features—Kīlauea summit Feb. 1

This thermal image taken during the February 1 helicopter overflight shows the features of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The eastern half of the lake is solidified at the surface, with active surface lava mostly limited to the western half. Nevertheless, small ooze-outs of lava occasionally appear along the eastern lake perimeter. The western lake is perched several meters above its base, impounded by a levee of solidified lava. Lava erupts at the western fissure and enters the lake at a small inlet site, where a narrow stream of lava pours in. During the overflight, a large overflow breached the northern levee and flowed along the northern lake margin towards the east. The temperature scale is in degrees Celsius. USGS image by M. Patrick.