The U.S. Geological Survey has produced new b-roll footage, professionally filmed using a 4K camera, the highest resolution images of the volcano that USGS has ever produced for the public. Additionally, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory posts daily eruption updates on its website, as well as videos and still photos captured by scientists using point-and-shoot digital cameras.

The high-definition video offers images of Kīlauea Volcano’s summit eruption, which began in March 2008. It focuses on the active lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, an area that is closed to the public due to ongoing volcanic hazards. Filmed by USGS video producer Stephen M. Wessells, the footage features imagery that is not currently possible to obtain from other sources.

Highlights of the 11-minute footage include:

- Close ups of the active lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at the summit of Kīlauea.

- Close up and wide angle views of lava lake activity, such as gas bubble bursts and spattering.

- Aerial shots of the summit of Kīlauea focusing on Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and the lava lake.

- USGS scientists working in the field and inside the Observatory.

A complete shot list and low-resolution preview of the footage is available on the USGS YouTube channel.

News media outlets can download up to a 4K resolution .MP4 version of the video footage directly from the USGS Multimedia Gallery. If a Quicktime ProRes version is needed, please contact USGS video archivist Don Becker. Please credit the “U.S. Geological Survey” when using this video footage.

Sources/Usage: Public Domain.