December 7, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Boat

A lava boat traverses down the fissure 3 lava channel during the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa on December 7, 2022. Lava boats or lava balls form when portions of the fissure cone or lava channel levees break away and are rafted down the lava stream. As they move along in the channel, additional lava can cool to their surface to form accretionary lava balls. USGS video by M. Patrick.