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

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Color photograph of lava fountain
January 8, 2023 — Kīlauea, lava fountain within Halema‘uma‘u
January 8, 2023 — Kīlauea, lava fountain within Halema‘uma‘u
January 8, 2023 — Kīlauea, lava fountain within Halema‘uma‘u

Telephoto low angle view of the most active lava fountain of the current eruption within Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea, taken during a helicopter overflight on January 8, 2023. This fountain is within the eastern half of Halema‘uma‘u. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

Telephoto low angle view of the most active lava fountain of the current eruption within Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea, taken during a helicopter overflight on January 8, 2023. This fountain is within the eastern half of Halema‘uma‘u. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

Color photograph of lava lake
January 8, 2023 — Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u
January 8, 2023 — Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u
January 8, 2023 — Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u

Photo of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the southeast corner of the crater during an early morning helicopter overflight on Sunday, January 8, 2023. The eruption within Halema‘uma‘u that began on January 5, 2023, continues, with activity concentrated primarily in the eastern part of the crater.

Photo of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the southeast corner of the crater during an early morning helicopter overflight on Sunday, January 8, 2023. The eruption within Halema‘uma‘u that began on January 5, 2023, continues, with activity concentrated primarily in the eastern part of the crater.

Color photograph of lava lake
HVO’s B1cam shows one day of lava flow activity on the central eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater’s floor on January 7, 2023
HVO’s B1cam shows one day of lava flow activity on the central eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater’s floor on January 7, 2023
HVO’s B1cam shows one day of lava flow activity on the central eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater’s floor on January 7, 2023

B1cam, shows lava erupting from multiple minor fountains (shown as a line of bright spots in the upper left of the video) on the central eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater’s floor on January 7, 2023.

Color photograph of scientist in the field
Measuring variations in the strength of gravity and precise location at the summit of Kīlauea
Measuring variations in the strength of gravity and precise location at the summit of Kīlauea
Measuring variations in the strength of gravity and precise location at the summit of Kīlauea

University of Wisconsin—Madison Ph.D. candidate and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) volunteer, Claire Ruggles, measures variations in the strength of gravity (grey box) and precise location (GPS on antenna) at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photograph taken on January 7, 2023, by HVO geophysicist A. Flinders.

University of Wisconsin—Madison Ph.D. candidate and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) volunteer, Claire Ruggles, measures variations in the strength of gravity (grey box) and precise location (GPS on antenna) at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photograph taken on January 7, 2023, by HVO geophysicist A. Flinders.

orange glow from lava lake against black background with cameras on tripod in foreground
Webcams sitting on edge of Halema‘uma‘u Crater viewing erupting lava lake at Kīlauea volcano summit
Webcams sitting on edge of Halema‘uma‘u Crater viewing erupting lava lake at Kīlauea volcano summit
Webcams sitting on edge of Halema‘uma‘u Crater viewing erupting lava lake at Kīlauea volcano summit

Webcam sentinels stand watch over the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, in the early morning hours of January 6, 2023. USGS photo taken from the south rim by J.M. Chang.

glowng red orange lava showing through zig-zag shaped cracks on black lava lake surface crust.
Radial fracture patterns on Halema‘uma‘u's lava lake surface Kīlauea volcano summit
Radial fracture patterns on Halema‘uma‘u's lava lake surface Kīlauea volcano summit
Radial fracture patterns on Halema‘uma‘u's lava lake surface Kīlauea volcano summit

Several areas of active upwelling on the surface of Halema‘uma‘u, as seen from the south rim during an early morning observational shift on January 6, 2023. As the lava reaches the lake's surface, it immediately begins to cool and radiates away from the source.

Several areas of active upwelling on the surface of Halema‘uma‘u, as seen from the south rim during an early morning observational shift on January 6, 2023. As the lava reaches the lake's surface, it immediately begins to cool and radiates away from the source.

Color map of eruption at summit of volcano
January 6, 2023—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
January 6, 2023—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
January 6, 2023—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map

A new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano began at approximately 4:34 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023. This reference map depicts activity on the second day of the eruption, based on measurements taken from the crater rim at approximately 9:00 a.m. this morning.

A new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano began at approximately 4:34 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023. This reference map depicts activity on the second day of the eruption, based on measurements taken from the crater rim at approximately 9:00 a.m. this morning.

a lava lake showing bright orange spots surrounded by black punctuated by orange glowing cracks
Fountains in Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit
Fountains in Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit
Fountains in Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit

View of eastern half of lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit, in the early morning of January 6, 2023. In this view looking north, four active lava fountains are visible, three in the center of the photo and one in the middle right (smaller).

View of eastern half of lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit, in the early morning of January 6, 2023. In this view looking north, four active lava fountains are visible, three in the center of the photo and one in the middle right (smaller).

sunrise image of Kilauea caldera with lava
Sunrise overflight at 6:45 a.m. HST shows the Kilauea eruption
Sunrise overflight at 6:45 a.m. HST shows the Kilauea eruption
Sunrise overflight at 6:45 a.m. HST shows the Kilauea eruption

Kīlauea summit morning monitoring overflight on January 6, 2023 at 6:45 a.m. HST captures this aerial view of the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The eruption is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater in the summit caldera. Lava flows have inundated much of the crater floor (which is nearly 300 acres or 120 hectares).

Kīlauea summit morning monitoring overflight on January 6, 2023 at 6:45 a.m. HST captures this aerial view of the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The eruption is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater in the summit caldera. Lava flows have inundated much of the crater floor (which is nearly 300 acres or 120 hectares).

red orange colored fountain of lava against black background
Halema‘uma‘u lava fountain on lava lake surface
Halema‘uma‘u lava fountain on lava lake surface
Halema‘uma‘u lava fountain on lava lake surface

This image, taken early on January 6th, shows a lava fountain on the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u. Numerous areas of upwelling, like the one pictured here, are actively feeding the lava lake and re-surfacing material that was emplaced from activity in 2022. This fountain measured 16-33 feet in height (5-10 meters). 

This image, taken early on January 6th, shows a lava fountain on the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u. Numerous areas of upwelling, like the one pictured here, are actively feeding the lava lake and re-surfacing material that was emplaced from activity in 2022. This fountain measured 16-33 feet in height (5-10 meters). 

person looking through scope toward orange glow of lava lake with a black background
Scientists observe new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea summit
Scientists observe new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea summit
Scientists observe new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea summit

During an overnight field shift on January 6, 2023, a USGS geologist takes rangefinder measurements to gather information about lava lake levels and fountain dimensions within the newly erupting Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

During an overnight field shift on January 6, 2023, a USGS geologist takes rangefinder measurements to gather information about lava lake levels and fountain dimensions within the newly erupting Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Color photograph of volcanic vent opening
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023

During the early morning hours of January 5, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were closely monitoring an increase in earthquake activity and changes in the patterns of ground deformation at Kīlauea’s summit, indicating movement of magma in the subsurface.

red and orange lava showing through cracks in blackened lava crust
Lava erupting to fill over the surface of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, Jan 5 at 9:45 PM local Hawaii time.
Lava erupting to fill over the surface of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, Jan 5 at 9:45 PM local Hawaii time.
Lava erupting to fill over the surface of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, Jan 5 at 9:45 PM local Hawaii time.

This photograph from 9:45 PM January 5, 2023 shows the entire Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor in Kīlauea’s summit caldera resurfaced with new lava that welled out from below the central island.

Color image of lava fountain
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater

This video, captured by the KWcam, shows a large burst of lava from the newly opened vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano at approximately 4:49 pm HST on January 5, 2023. This burst reached up to 50 meters (164 feet) high and sent a wave of lava across the crater floor.

This video, captured by the KWcam, shows a large burst of lava from the newly opened vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano at approximately 4:49 pm HST on January 5, 2023. This burst reached up to 50 meters (164 feet) high and sent a wave of lava across the crater floor.

Color photograph of eruption in crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater

On January 5, 2023, HVO’s KW webcam captured dramatic bursts of lava from a new vent that opened in Halemaʻumaʻu crater and a wave of lava that moved out onto the crater floor. USGS webcam image. 

person standing on edge of open crater with three cameras. orange lava erupting and flowing into crater.
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist documents the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption began just after 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023, and remains confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by D. Downs.

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist documents the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption began just after 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023, and remains confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by D. Downs.

landscape with a crater showing orange lava erupting into it and filling bottom of crater floor.
First views of the January 5, 2023 eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
First views of the January 5, 2023 eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
First views of the January 5, 2023 eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater

A new eruption began within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea just after 4:30 p.m. HST on January 5, 2023. Around 5:45 p.m. on the same day, an additional vent began erupting lava on the floor of the crater. The newer vent is located farther away in this image. USGS image by D. Downs.

A new eruption began within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea just after 4:30 p.m. HST on January 5, 2023. Around 5:45 p.m. on the same day, an additional vent began erupting lava on the floor of the crater. The newer vent is located farther away in this image. USGS image by D. Downs.

person standing next to deep crater next to camera tripod
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Two images showing poorer and better resolution images of deep crater with blue sky and clouds above.
Images comparing old and new Kīlauea summit webcam
Images comparing old and new Kīlauea summit webcam
Images comparing old and new Kīlauea summit webcam

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of scientist using instrument to monitor eruption
Using terrestrial radar system at Kīlauea
Using terrestrial radar system at Kīlauea
Using terrestrial radar system at Kīlauea

Dr. Lis Gallant deploying a terrestrial radar system during the January 2023 eruption of Kīlauea. This instrument can detect small-scale changes in the shape of the lake’s surface and calculate the speed at which those changes are occurring. USGS photo. 

Dr. Lis Gallant deploying a terrestrial radar system during the January 2023 eruption of Kīlauea. This instrument can detect small-scale changes in the shape of the lake’s surface and calculate the speed at which those changes are occurring. USGS photo. 

Color photograph of student group
The 2022 GeoSPACE group
The 2022 GeoSPACE group
The 2022 GeoSPACE group

The 2022 GeoScientists Promoting Accessible Collaborative Experiences (GeoSPACE) group at the Grand Canyon (Arizona).

The 2022 GeoScientists Promoting Accessible Collaborative Experiences (GeoSPACE) group at the Grand Canyon (Arizona).

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