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Videos

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

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Color photograph of newly erupted lava and fume in the background Color photograph of newly erupted lava and fume in the background
September 19, 2024—New lava flows on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea
September 19, 2024—New lava flows on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea

On September 19, 2024, USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists landed near the Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption site, where they viewed lava flowing through a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide. 

On September 19, 2024, USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists landed near the Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption site, where they viewed lava flowing through a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide. 

Color photograph showing aerial view of crater floor that is mostly covered with black fresh lava Color photograph showing aerial view of crater floor that is mostly covered with black fresh lava
September 20, 2024—Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight and ground views
September 20, 2024—Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight and ground views

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field monitoring crews captured these videos during their visit to Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption site the morning of September 20, 2024. They reported minor spattering and small fountains at one end of the vent at 8:30 a.m. HST. By 10 a.m.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field monitoring crews captured these videos during their visit to Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption site the morning of September 20, 2024. They reported minor spattering and small fountains at one end of the vent at 8:30 a.m. HST. By 10 a.m.

Color photograph of eruption with white words Color photograph of eruption with white words
September 20, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption summary
September 20, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption summary

On the night of September 15, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysical data indicated that an eruption could be occurring a remote area of Kīlauea’s middle East Rift Zone, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

On the night of September 15, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysical data indicated that an eruption could be occurring a remote area of Kīlauea’s middle East Rift Zone, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

September 19, 2024 — Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted a reconnaissance overflight of the eruption near Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed lava cascading over the rim of the crater from a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted a reconnaissance overflight of the eruption near Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed lava cascading over the rim of the crater from a channel more than 50 meters (about 164 feet) wide.

September 19, 2024 —Kīlauea lava fountains erupting

On September 19, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists were able to capture this video of the fissure vent eruption west of Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed a 150-m-long (nearly 500 feet) fissure west of the crater erupting lava in a curtain of lava 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) high. 

On September 19, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists were able to capture this video of the fissure vent eruption west of Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. They observed a 150-m-long (nearly 500 feet) fissure west of the crater erupting lava in a curtain of lava 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) high. 

Color photograph of eruption in crater Color photograph of eruption in crater
September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight
September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight

Kīlauea volcano is erupting in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park from a new fissure vent that opened within Nāpau Crater this morning, September 17, between 4:00 and 5:00 AM HST.  The eruption is occurring within a closed and remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Kīlauea volcano is erupting in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park from a new fissure vent that opened within Nāpau Crater this morning, September 17, between 4:00 and 5:00 AM HST.  The eruption is occurring within a closed and remote area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Color photograph of scientist near lava flow Color photograph of scientist near lava flow
September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption sampling
September 17, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption sampling

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists collected a sample of the middle East Rift Zone Kīlauea eruption in Nāpau Crater, within a closed area Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Geologists put molten lava into a metal bucket and rapidly quench it with water.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists collected a sample of the middle East Rift Zone Kīlauea eruption in Nāpau Crater, within a closed area Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Geologists put molten lava into a metal bucket and rapidly quench it with water.

Color photograph of eruption site Color photograph of eruption site
September 16, 2024 — Overflight video of eruption site near Nāpau Crater, Kīlauea
September 16, 2024 — Overflight video of eruption site near Nāpau Crater, Kīlauea

A brief, small eruption occurred on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea late on September 15. The eruption produced two small pads of lava just west of Nāpau Crater, which is west (uprift) of the former Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption site. 

A brief, small eruption occurred on the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea late on September 15. The eruption produced two small pads of lava just west of Nāpau Crater, which is west (uprift) of the former Pu‘u‘ō‘ō eruption site. 

Looking down from a helicopter, this photo shows charred and brown trees surrounded by a new, steaming lava flow. Looking down from a helicopter, this photo shows charred and brown trees surrounded by a new, steaming lava flow.
September 16, 2024—Brief eruption near Nāpau Crater on Kīlauea Middle East Rift Zone
September 16, 2024—Brief eruption near Nāpau Crater on Kīlauea Middle East Rift Zone

During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory overflight at approximately 10:30 a.m. HST on September 16, geologists observed freshly erupted lava west of Nāpau Crater on the remote middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This eruption likely occurred between approximately 9–10 p.m. HST on September 15.  

During a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory overflight at approximately 10:30 a.m. HST on September 16, geologists observed freshly erupted lava west of Nāpau Crater on the remote middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This eruption likely occurred between approximately 9–10 p.m. HST on September 15.  

Color photograph of volcanic crater surrounded by forest and a fissure emitting volcanic gas Color photograph of volcanic crater surrounded by forest and a fissure emitting volcanic gas
September 16, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight
September 16, 2024 —Kīlauea middle East Rift Zone eruption overflight

This video, taken during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory morning overflight of Kīlaueaʻs middle East Rift Zone on September 16, 2024, shows new lava flows erupted over about an hour during the evening on September 15, 2024.

This video, taken during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory morning overflight of Kīlaueaʻs middle East Rift Zone on September 16, 2024, shows new lava flows erupted over about an hour during the evening on September 15, 2024.

Photo of new eruption deposits Photo of new eruption deposits
HVO geologists observe new fissure system
HVO geologists observe new fissure system

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the fissure that formed on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano early this morning, June 3, 2024. Elevated gas emissions are being carried downwind, in a southwest direction. USGS video.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the fissure that formed on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano early this morning, June 3, 2024. Elevated gas emissions are being carried downwind, in a southwest direction. USGS video.

Lave erupting from a fissure as seen from a helicopter flover. Lave erupting from a fissure as seen from a helicopter flover.
Flyover of Southwest Rift Zone (June 3, 2024)
Flyover of Southwest Rift Zone (June 3, 2024)

During an overflight at approximately 6 a.m., USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed the fissures system that opened on the upper portion of the Southwest Rift Zone early this morning. Approximately half a mile (about 1 km) in length, only the southwest portion of the system was active by daylight. 

During an overflight at approximately 6 a.m., USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed the fissures system that opened on the upper portion of the Southwest Rift Zone early this morning. Approximately half a mile (about 1 km) in length, only the southwest portion of the system was active by daylight. 

lava erupting from a fissure lava erupting from a fissure
Aerial video of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial video of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

Aerial video of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS video.

Black and white photograph of explosive eruption with text over it Black and white photograph of explosive eruption with text over it
100 years ago at Kīlauea: The 1924 explosive eruption described by Thomas Jaggar
100 years ago at Kīlauea: The 1924 explosive eruption described by Thomas Jaggar

This two-minute video summarizes the 1924 explosive eruption at the summit of Kīlauea, which occurred 100 years ago this year. The video is narrated by Thomas Jaggar, who founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 1912. His description of the 1924 eruption was recorded in 1951 by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

This two-minute video summarizes the 1924 explosive eruption at the summit of Kīlauea, which occurred 100 years ago this year. The video is narrated by Thomas Jaggar, who founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 1912. His description of the 1924 eruption was recorded in 1951 by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

Color photograph of caldera with white text Color photograph of caldera with white text
Kīlauea Collapse and Refilling – Changes Since 2018
Kīlauea Collapse and Refilling – Changes Since 2018

This video summarizes changes to the summit Kīlauea volcano since the 2018 caldera collapse. In the year after the 2018 collapse, a water lake began to rise from the bottom. It evaporated during about 90 minutes when an eruption started in Halemaʻumaʻu crater on the night of December 20, 2020.

This video summarizes changes to the summit Kīlauea volcano since the 2018 caldera collapse. In the year after the 2018 collapse, a water lake began to rise from the bottom. It evaporated during about 90 minutes when an eruption started in Halemaʻumaʻu crater on the night of December 20, 2020.

Map with colored dots representing earthquake locations Map with colored dots representing earthquake locations
Kīlauea earthquake activity (January 26-February 2, 2024)
Kīlauea earthquake activity (January 26-February 2, 2024)

This video shows earthquake activity recorded by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at Kīlauea summit, extending southwest, from January 26-February 2, 2024, in 12-hour snapshots. 

This video shows earthquake activity recorded by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at Kīlauea summit, extending southwest, from January 26-February 2, 2024, in 12-hour snapshots. 

November PL 2023 - Thumbnail November PL 2023 - Thumbnail
PubTalk-11/2023: Six Eruptions at Two Volcanoes Over the Past Three Years
PubTalk-11/2023: Six Eruptions at Two Volcanoes Over the Past Three Years

Six Eruptions at Two Volcanoes Over the Past Three Years

How the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors some of Earth’s most active volcanoes

by Katie Mulliken, Geologist, Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Six Eruptions at Two Volcanoes Over the Past Three Years

How the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors some of Earth’s most active volcanoes

by Katie Mulliken, Geologist, Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Color photograph of volcano Color photograph of volcano
Mauna Loa 2022 Eruption Anniversary (AD)
Mauna Loa 2022 Eruption Anniversary (AD)

Mauna Loa 2022 eruption anniversary video. Mauna Loa is Earth's largest active volcano and covers just over half of the Island of Hawaiʻi. It erupted most recently in November-December 2022, and it will erupt again.

Mauna Loa 2022 eruption anniversary video. Mauna Loa is Earth's largest active volcano and covers just over half of the Island of Hawaiʻi. It erupted most recently in November-December 2022, and it will erupt again.

Color photograph of volcano Color photograph of volcano
Mauna Loa 2022 Eruption Anniversary
Mauna Loa 2022 Eruption Anniversary

Mauna Loa 2022 eruption anniversary video. Mauna Loa is Earth's largest active volcano and covers just over half of the Island of Hawaiʻi. It erupted most recently in November-December 2022, and it will erupt again.

Mauna Loa 2022 eruption anniversary video. Mauna Loa is Earth's largest active volcano and covers just over half of the Island of Hawaiʻi. It erupted most recently in November-December 2022, and it will erupt again.

Color image of lava fountain with text over it Color image of lava fountain with text over it
Kīlauea volcano - views of the September 2023 summit eruption
Kīlauea volcano - views of the September 2023 summit eruption

This is a video compilation of Kīlauea volcano's summit eruption in September 2023. The video shows clips of the eruptive vents and lava fountains as the eruption progressed from September 10-16, 2023. 

This is a video compilation of Kīlauea volcano's summit eruption in September 2023. The video shows clips of the eruptive vents and lava fountains as the eruption progressed from September 10-16, 2023. 

Color photograph of eruptive vents Color photograph of eruptive vents
Kīlauea summit eruptive activity decreases — September 16, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruptive activity decreases — September 16, 2023

Eruptive activity was shutting down at Kīlauea summit on Saturday, September 16, with only weak spattering at one vent in the morning. By midday, the eruptive activity had effectively ended.

Eruptive activity was shutting down at Kīlauea summit on Saturday, September 16, with only weak spattering at one vent in the morning. By midday, the eruptive activity had effectively ended.

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