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Aerial view looking east, showing lava spattering and gushing from broken side of west cone atop West Gap shield. Higher east cone just to left. Shiny lava is hot active flow fed by west cone. Side of cone broke apart at 1158 February 12, during start of Lincoln's Birthday event, when abrupt deflation started at Pu`u `O`o.
Similar to left, but from farther west showing West Gap spatter cones in context of Pu`u `O`o. Gently rounded mound directly behind cones is new shieldlike edifice created mainly during past week from extrusions at South Wall Complex and possible Dave's Pit Vent. Darkest flows right of cones spilled outside crater as new edifice overtopped West Gap.
Aerial view looking north, showing dark lava flows that spilled from crater through Puka Nui Gap (right) and West Gap (center, with steep cones). Spill came from shieldlike edifice that overtopped crater rim. Lighter flows in center of image are erupting from vent in filled Puka Nui.
Similar view as that in left image, but farther back. Note how spill through Puka Nui Gap turned southeast (down to left) and moved along base of cone.
Closer view of lava flows spilling into filled Puka Nui. Note active vent in lower center, feeding small flows that are building a mound over the vent.