UAS profile view of island in the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, March 16

This Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) photo from Tuesday, March 16, 2021 provides a profile view of the northeast side of the main island within the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake. The upper surface of the island is blanketed with tephra (brown) from the early days of the eruption, while layers of thin lava flows (black) are visible on the side of the island; the layered side of the island in the foreground is estimated to stand approximately 11 m (36 ft) tall.

UAS photos like this help scientists to understand ongoing lava lake processes with their associated hazards, and to detect changes that might indicate shifts in the character of eruptive activity. USGS has special use permits from the National Park Service to conduct official UAS missions as part of HVO's mission to monitor active volcanoes in Hawaii, assess their hazards, issue warnings, and advance scientific understanding to reduce impacts of volcanic eruptions. Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is prohibited under 36 CFR Closures & Public Use.