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

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Color graphic of electromagnetic ranges
Electromagnetic sensor
Electromagnetic sensor
Electromagnetic sensor

The Airborne Electromagnetic and magnetic (AEM) transmitter generates a magnetic field that is lower than 1/100th of the accepted general public exposure level across all frequencies. The same AEM surveys have been conducted in other locations throughout the US with no reported ill effects to humans or animals.

The Airborne Electromagnetic and magnetic (AEM) transmitter generates a magnetic field that is lower than 1/100th of the accepted general public exposure level across all frequencies. The same AEM surveys have been conducted in other locations throughout the US with no reported ill effects to humans or animals.

color photograph of lava lake
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater

Photo of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken at 11:47 a.m. HST on June 2, 2022. The photo is looking towards the northeast, with the west vent and active lava lake on the left side of the photo, partially obscured by abundant fumes. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Photo of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken at 11:47 a.m. HST on June 2, 2022. The photo is looking towards the northeast, with the west vent and active lava lake on the left side of the photo, partially obscured by abundant fumes. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Color photograph of lava lake
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater

View looking north of the active lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, during a volcano monitoring field shift on June 2, 2022. Spattering of lava occurred intermittently along the edges of the active lava lake basin, as shown by the orange areas on the north side of the basin.

View looking north of the active lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, during a volcano monitoring field shift on June 2, 2022. Spattering of lava occurred intermittently along the edges of the active lava lake basin, as shown by the orange areas on the north side of the basin.

Color photograph of scientists in the field
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data

During the first half of June, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) staff, along with collaborators from other parts of USGS,  temporarily deployed instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.

During the first half of June, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) staff, along with collaborators from other parts of USGS,  temporarily deployed instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data to image structure and fluids beneath the surface of Kīlauea.

Color photograph of scientists in field
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data

HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea volcano’s south flank. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for 1–2 days. This photo shows a magnetometer being prepared for burial in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.

HVO staff and collaborators install temporary instruments to collect magnetotelluric (MT) data on Kīlauea volcano’s south flank. At each location, electrodes, induction-coil magnetometers, and data loggers are deployed for 1–2 days. This photo shows a magnetometer being prepared for burial in a narrow and shallow trench to minimize wind noise.

Color photograph of scientist in field
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data
Scientists temporarily deploy instruments to collect ground-based magnetotelluric (MT) data

At each magnetotelluric (MT) site, three electrodes are installed. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. The electrode is encapsulated in a canvas bag filled with bentonite, and water is poured in the electrode hole to improve the contact resistance.

At each magnetotelluric (MT) site, three electrodes are installed. The electrodes require electrical contact with the ground and are buried in shallow holes about the width and depth of a spade head. The electrode is encapsulated in a canvas bag filled with bentonite, and water is poured in the electrode hole to improve the contact resistance.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater
June 2, 2022 — Kīlauea, Eruption Continues within Halema‘uma‘u Crater

Telephoto view of the west vent within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo taken by J.M. Chang at 12:01 p.m. HST from the south rim. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Color image of active lava
May 26, 2022 — Kīlauea — Lava lake activity continues at the summit
May 26, 2022 — Kīlauea — Lava lake activity continues at the summit
May 26, 2022 — Kīlauea — Lava lake activity continues at the summit

Lava lake activity continues in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. A small stream of lava was pouring into a small pond northwest of the main lava lake, near the west vent. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Lava lake activity continues in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. A small stream of lava was pouring into a small pond northwest of the main lava lake, near the west vent. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of lava lake and profile of lava lake depth
Kīlauea Volcano crater filling as of May 2022
Kīlauea Volcano crater filling as of May 2022
Kīlauea Volcano crater filling as of May 2022

This map of the Kīlauea summit is mostly identical to the May 16, 2022, eruption reference map, but also included here are west to east topographic profiles across the caldera.

This map of the Kīlauea summit is mostly identical to the May 16, 2022, eruption reference map, but also included here are west to east topographic profiles across the caldera.

Color map of volcano
Recent lava flows from Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone
Recent lava flows from Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone
Recent lava flows from Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone

Map of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa, using data from the Geologic Map of the State of Hawaiʻi (Sherrod and others, 2021). Lava flows erupted in 1950, 1926, 1919, 1916, 1907, 1887, and 1868 are shown in different colors on the map. Basemap sources: ESRI, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp. USGS map. 

Map of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa, using data from the Geologic Map of the State of Hawaiʻi (Sherrod and others, 2021). Lava flows erupted in 1950, 1926, 1919, 1916, 1907, 1887, and 1868 are shown in different colors on the map. Basemap sources: ESRI, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp. USGS map. 

Color photograph of snow-covered volcano with crater on top
View inside Mount Edgecumbe crater
View inside Mount Edgecumbe crater
View inside Mount Edgecumbe crater

 

Aerial view of Mount Edgecumbe crater taken on May 19, 2022. Mount Edgecumbe is a volcano in Southeast Alaska, near Sitka. Image courtesy of Max Kaufman, AVO/UAF-GI.

 

Aerial view of Mount Edgecumbe crater taken on May 19, 2022. Mount Edgecumbe is a volcano in Southeast Alaska, near Sitka. Image courtesy of Max Kaufman, AVO/UAF-GI.

Color map of lava lake temperature
May 18, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
May 18, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
May 18, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps

Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) flights on May 18, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) flights on May 18, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Color map of lava lake temperature
May 18, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
May 18, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
May 18, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps

Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) flights on May 18, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) flights on May 18, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Color photograph of lava lake
Active lake surface of Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022
Active lake surface of Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022
Active lake surface of Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022

A view of the active lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, taken during a Kīlauea summit monitoring field shift on the morning of May 18, 2022. The active lake is draining into the small pond on the right of the photograph. Spattering along the margins of the lake is common, seen here in the center of the photograph.

A view of the active lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, taken during a Kīlauea summit monitoring field shift on the morning of May 18, 2022. The active lake is draining into the small pond on the right of the photograph. Spattering along the margins of the lake is common, seen here in the center of the photograph.

Color photograph of active lava
A close up view of an outlet channel at Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022
A close up view of an outlet channel at Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022
A close up view of an outlet channel at Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022

The feature shown in the photograph is a drainage outlet for the active lava lake of Halema‘uma‘u, a crater within the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano. Surface plates from the active lake surface are dragged into the outlet and churned up. A small standing wave, about 1 meter or 1 yard tall, is present in the center of the outlet structure.

The feature shown in the photograph is a drainage outlet for the active lava lake of Halema‘uma‘u, a crater within the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano. Surface plates from the active lake surface are dragged into the outlet and churned up. A small standing wave, about 1 meter or 1 yard tall, is present in the center of the outlet structure.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
Steaming vent of Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022
Steaming vent of Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022
Steaming vent of Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea — May 18, 2022

The vent within Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, was degassing during a field observation visit on the morning of May 18, 2022. The vent is 56 feet tall (17 meters) and has a small puka (hole) visible with bright red glowing lava within on the right side of the photograph.

The vent within Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, was degassing during a field observation visit on the morning of May 18, 2022. The vent is 56 feet tall (17 meters) and has a small puka (hole) visible with bright red glowing lava within on the right side of the photograph.

Color photograph of lava lake
May 31, 2022 — Kīlauea summit, rise of the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor
May 31, 2022 — Kīlauea summit, rise of the Halema‘uma‘u crater floor
Color photograph of coastline
Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki) - May 12, 2022
Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki) - May 12, 2022
Isaac Hale Beach Park (Pohoiki) - May 12, 2022

A view of Isaac Hale Beach Park (also known as Pohoiki) in the lower Puna District on the Island of Hawai‘i. Lava from the 2018 Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone eruption, emplaced in late July 2018, is visible on the left. USGS photo taken during a helicopter overflight on May 12, 2022, by N. Deligne.

A view of Isaac Hale Beach Park (also known as Pohoiki) in the lower Puna District on the Island of Hawai‘i. Lava from the 2018 Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone eruption, emplaced in late July 2018, is visible on the left. USGS photo taken during a helicopter overflight on May 12, 2022, by N. Deligne.

Color photograph of inactive vents and lava flows
Ahuʻailāʻau (Fissure 8) — May 12, 2022
Ahuʻailāʻau (Fissure 8) — May 12, 2022
Ahuʻailāʻau (Fissure 8) — May 12, 2022

 Ahuʻailāʻau (the cone built during the eruption of Fissure 8) was the most active vent during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea on the Island of Hawai‘i. During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory routine monitoring overflight on May 12, 2022, the prominent feature was visible in the row of fissures. USGS photo J. Schmith.

 Ahuʻailāʻau (the cone built during the eruption of Fissure 8) was the most active vent during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea on the Island of Hawai‘i. During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory routine monitoring overflight on May 12, 2022, the prominent feature was visible in the row of fissures. USGS photo J. Schmith.

Color photograph of inactive lava flow
Kapoho Crater in a frozen lava sea
Kapoho Crater in a frozen lava sea
Kapoho Crater in a frozen lava sea

Kapoho Crater, with its lush green slopes, was surrounded by lava during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea. Lava flowed all the way around and into the center of the crater, covering the lower part of the cone. Now, the slopes of the crater form a Kīpuka, or area surrounded by younger lava flows. USGS photo by J. Schmith on May 12, 2022.

Kapoho Crater, with its lush green slopes, was surrounded by lava during the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea. Lava flowed all the way around and into the center of the crater, covering the lower part of the cone. Now, the slopes of the crater form a Kīpuka, or area surrounded by younger lava flows. USGS photo by J. Schmith on May 12, 2022.

Color map of earthquake activity
Map comparing two months of earthquake activity in the region deep beneath Pāhala
Map comparing two months of earthquake activity in the region deep beneath Pāhala
Map comparing two months of earthquake activity in the region deep beneath Pāhala

Map comparing two months of earthquake activity in the region deep beneath Pāhala from (a) March 1, 2014, to May 1, 2014, and (b) March 1, 2022, to May 1, 2022. Earthquake locations are marked by circles that are colored by depth; blue circles indicate earthquakes that occurred 20–40 km (12–25 miles) below sea level.

Map comparing two months of earthquake activity in the region deep beneath Pāhala from (a) March 1, 2014, to May 1, 2014, and (b) March 1, 2022, to May 1, 2022. Earthquake locations are marked by circles that are colored by depth; blue circles indicate earthquakes that occurred 20–40 km (12–25 miles) below sea level.

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