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Hawaiian Volcano Observatory images of eruptive activity, field work, and more.

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Color photograph of lava spattering within volcanic vent
March 4, 2025 — Minor activity at the summit of Kīlauea
March 4, 2025 — Minor activity at the summit of Kīlauea
March 4, 2025 — Minor activity at the summit of Kīlauea

Coincident with a scheduled USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption monitoring overflight the morning of Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Kīlauea's ongoing eruption in Halema‘uma‘u started to show minor activity at both eruptive vents. This aerial view of the vents taken at 8:04 a.m.

Coincident with a scheduled USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption monitoring overflight the morning of Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Kīlauea's ongoing eruption in Halema‘uma‘u started to show minor activity at both eruptive vents. This aerial view of the vents taken at 8:04 a.m.

Color panoramic image of volcanic caldera
March 4, 2025 — Kaluapele panorama
March 4, 2025 — Kaluapele panorama
March 4, 2025 — Kaluapele panorama

A panoramic view of Kaluapele, the caldera at the summit of Kīlauea volcano, taken from the Volcano House Hotel overlook in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The intermittently active vents on the west wall of the caldera are visibly degassing in the shadowed background of the image, while Mauna Loa is illuminated in the sunlight.

A panoramic view of Kaluapele, the caldera at the summit of Kīlauea volcano, taken from the Volcano House Hotel overlook in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The intermittently active vents on the west wall of the caldera are visibly degassing in the shadowed background of the image, while Mauna Loa is illuminated in the sunlight.

Color photograph of eruptive vent
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea summit monitoring overflight
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea summit monitoring overflight
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea summit monitoring overflight

Only weak vent activity was observed on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit at 8 a.m. HST on March 4, 2025. Weak effusive activity continued throughout the day until around 2 p.m., when fountaining started with more vigor, producing a larger flow across the crater floor. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Only weak vent activity was observed on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit at 8 a.m. HST on March 4, 2025. Weak effusive activity continued throughout the day until around 2 p.m., when fountaining started with more vigor, producing a larger flow across the crater floor. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of scientist collecting molten sample
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption sample
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption sample
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption sample

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist collected of molten sample of lava in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning of March 4, 2025. In this portion of the crater, far from the eruptive vents, lava has slowly oozed out in recent days as residue from earlier episodes.

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist collected of molten sample of lava in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning of March 4, 2025. In this portion of the crater, far from the eruptive vents, lava has slowly oozed out in recent days as residue from earlier episodes.

Color photograph of eruption
March 4, 2025 — Overview of episode 12 of Kīlauea summit eruption
March 4, 2025 — Overview of episode 12 of Kīlauea summit eruption
March 4, 2025 — Overview of episode 12 of Kīlauea summit eruption

During the early evening of March 4, 2025, USGS scientists captured this view of both the north and south vent erupting lava fountains during episode 12 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. During this episode, lava fountains reached up to 250-300 feet (80-90 meters) in height. USGS photo by M. Patrick. 

During the early evening of March 4, 2025, USGS scientists captured this view of both the north and south vent erupting lava fountains during episode 12 of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. During this episode, lava fountains reached up to 250-300 feet (80-90 meters) in height. USGS photo by M. Patrick. 

Color photograph of eruptive vent and plume
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea episode 12 eruption and plume
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea episode 12 eruption and plume
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea episode 12 eruption and plume

This view of episode 12 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu was taken the evening of March 4, 2025, from the Kaluapele overlook near Kīlauea Military Camp in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

This view of episode 12 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu was taken the evening of March 4, 2025, from the Kaluapele overlook near Kīlauea Military Camp in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of lava fountains
March 4, 2025 — Episode 12 at the summit of Kīlauea
March 4, 2025 — Episode 12 at the summit of Kīlauea
March 4, 2025 — Episode 12 at the summit of Kīlauea

Episode 12 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began a fountaining phase at 2 p.m. HST on March 4.  Several small lava flows came from the south vent during the morning and early afternoon of March 4. At 2:00 p.m. HST, fountaining began at the north vent.

Episode 12 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began a fountaining phase at 2 p.m. HST on March 4.  Several small lava flows came from the south vent during the morning and early afternoon of March 4. At 2:00 p.m. HST, fountaining began at the north vent.

Color photograph of lava fountains and rainbow
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea eruption episode 12
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea eruption episode 12
March 4, 2025 — Kīlauea eruption episode 12

Both the north and south vents have been active in the ongoing episode 12 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu. Lava fountains feed lava flows that cover part of the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu. USGS photo by L. Gallant.

Both the north and south vents have been active in the ongoing episode 12 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu. Lava fountains feed lava flows that cover part of the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu. USGS photo by L. Gallant.

Color photograph of lava flow
March 4, 2025 — Lava flows in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano
March 4, 2025 — Lava flows in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano
March 4, 2025 — Lava flows in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano

During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kīlauea eruption monitoring overflight on March 4, 2025, geology field crews sampled a viscous molten lava flow on the eastern margin of the lake. This flow is likely an ooze out from the molten lake interior, and represents lava erupted in previous episodes.

During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kīlauea eruption monitoring overflight on March 4, 2025, geology field crews sampled a viscous molten lava flow on the eastern margin of the lake. This flow is likely an ooze out from the molten lake interior, and represents lava erupted in previous episodes.

Color photograph of scientist monitoring eruption
March 4, 2025 — USGS scientist monitors Kīlauea eruption
March 4, 2025 — USGS scientist monitors Kīlauea eruption
March 4, 2025 — USGS scientist monitors Kīlauea eruption

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist monitors episode 12 of the ongoing Kīlauea eruption during the evening of March 4, 2025. While working in the hazardous closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, USGS staff wear personal protective equipment, including high-visibility clothing, hard helmets, gas masks, gloves, and eye protection. USGS photo by M.

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist monitors episode 12 of the ongoing Kīlauea eruption during the evening of March 4, 2025. While working in the hazardous closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, USGS staff wear personal protective equipment, including high-visibility clothing, hard helmets, gas masks, gloves, and eye protection. USGS photo by M.

Color photograph of geologist on volcanic crater rim
February 26, 2025 — Gas measurements following episode 11 at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — Gas measurements following episode 11 at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — Gas measurements following episode 11 at Kīlauea summit

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist measures the chemistry of volcanic gases emitted by Kīlauea summit eruption episode 11—within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—on February 26, 2025. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist measures the chemistry of volcanic gases emitted by Kīlauea summit eruption episode 11—within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—on February 26, 2025. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photographs of volcanic eruptive vent
February 26, 2025 — Series of photos of the final 40 minutes of episode 11 of Kīlauea summit eruption
February 26, 2025 — Series of photos of the final 40 minutes of episode 11 of Kīlauea summit eruption
February 26, 2025 — Series of photos of the final 40 minutes of episode 11 of Kīlauea summit eruption

Episode 11 of the ongoing summit eruption at Kīlauea started yesterday, February 25 at 6:22 p.m. HST and ended this morning, February 26 at 7:06 a.m. Field crews witnessed the last 40 minutes of episode 11, documented in this series of photos taken from the western rim of the volcano's summit caldera, looking southeast.

Episode 11 of the ongoing summit eruption at Kīlauea started yesterday, February 25 at 6:22 p.m. HST and ended this morning, February 26 at 7:06 a.m. Field crews witnessed the last 40 minutes of episode 11, documented in this series of photos taken from the western rim of the volcano's summit caldera, looking southeast.

Color photograph of volcanic tephra on crater rim
February 26, 2025 — Tephra from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — Tephra from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — Tephra from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit

Recent lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea has produced large frothy clasts that have landed on the western caldera rim, in addition to many smaller clasts that have produced a thick carpet of new tephra. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Recent lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea has produced large frothy clasts that have landed on the western caldera rim, in addition to many smaller clasts that have produced a thick carpet of new tephra. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of volcanic tephra in geologist's hand
February 26, 2025 — Lava clast from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — Lava clast from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — Lava clast from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit

The shapes and textures of clasts produced by recent lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea also indicate their fluid nature as they traveled through the air. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of volcanic eruptive vent and lava flow
February 26, 2025 — The end of episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — The end of episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — The end of episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the caldera rim at Kīlauea this morning and observed the end of the summit eruption's eleventh episode, as fountains shut down at both eruptive vents between approximately 6:30 and 7:00 am.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the caldera rim at Kīlauea this morning and observed the end of the summit eruption's eleventh episode, as fountains shut down at both eruptive vents between approximately 6:30 and 7:00 am.

Color photograph of volcanic tephra on ground
February 26, 2025 — Lava clasts from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — Lava clasts from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — Lava clasts from episode 11 fountaining at Kīlauea summit

The density of clasts produced by recent fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea is similar to that of a kitchen sponge, due to abundant gas bubbles. These bubbles range in size from ones too small to see, up to larger ones about the size of golf balls. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The density of clasts produced by recent fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea is similar to that of a kitchen sponge, due to abundant gas bubbles. These bubbles range in size from ones too small to see, up to larger ones about the size of golf balls. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of volcanic crater with geologist on rim
February 26, 2025 — The aftermath of episode 11 at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — The aftermath of episode 11 at Kīlauea summit
February 26, 2025 — The aftermath of episode 11 at Kīlauea summit

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist uses a laser rangefinder to measure the evolving height of cinder cones produced by recent lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea. Today, February 26, the highest part of the tallest cone rim was about 160 feet (48 meters) above the crater floor. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist uses a laser rangefinder to measure the evolving height of cinder cones produced by recent lava fountaining at the summit of Kīlauea. Today, February 26, the highest part of the tallest cone rim was about 160 feet (48 meters) above the crater floor. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of volcanic vent erupting lava
February 20, 2025 — Episode 10 of Halemaʻumaʻu eruption, Kīlauea
February 20, 2025 — Episode 10 of Halemaʻumaʻu eruption, Kīlauea
February 20, 2025 — Episode 10 of Halemaʻumaʻu eruption, Kīlauea

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologists captured this view of episode 10 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u during a sunrise field shift on February 20, 2025. HVO scientists measured fountain heights of about 45-50 m (148-164 feet) on average with frequent pulses reaching 60-65 meters (197-213 feet).

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologists captured this view of episode 10 of the Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u during a sunrise field shift on February 20, 2025. HVO scientists measured fountain heights of about 45-50 m (148-164 feet) on average with frequent pulses reaching 60-65 meters (197-213 feet).

Color photograph of vent erupting lava flow
February 20, 2025 — Overview of episode 10 of the summit eruption of Kīlauea
February 20, 2025 — Overview of episode 10 of the summit eruption of Kīlauea
February 20, 2025 — Overview of episode 10 of the summit eruption of Kīlauea

An overview of episode 10 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption the morning of February 20, 2025. Episode 10 ended later that morning at 9:18 a.m HST, after just under 13 hours of fountaining.

Plot showing ground tilt and aspects of eruption episodes
Ground tilt for Kīlauea summit eruption episodes December 2024-February 2025
Ground tilt for Kīlauea summit eruption episodes December 2024-February 2025
Ground tilt for Kīlauea summit eruption episodes December 2024-February 2025

Ground tilt and eruptive episodes associated with Kīlauea summit eruption December 23, 2024, until February 20, 2025. The ten eruptive episodes in Halemaʻumaʻu are highlighted in red. 

Color photograph of scientist checking a webcamera monitoring an eruption
February 20, 2025 — HVO scientists monitor Kīlauea eruption
February 20, 2025 — HVO scientists monitor Kīlauea eruption
February 20, 2025 — HVO scientists monitor Kīlauea eruption

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientist checks the settings on a temporarily deployed camera. Infrastructure in this area is subject to the occasional volcanic bomb strike and may also experience intense heat.

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientist checks the settings on a temporarily deployed camera. Infrastructure in this area is subject to the occasional volcanic bomb strike and may also experience intense heat.

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