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

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lava in Halemaʻumaʻu crater lava in Halemaʻumaʻu crater
June 7, 2023 — Video of eruption onset in Halemaʻumaʻu
June 7, 2023 — Video of eruption onset in Halemaʻumaʻu

The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.

The B1cam webcam on the east rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater captured the opening of the eastern eruptive vent in the first hour of the new Kīlauea summit eruption on June 7, 2023. The video shows a brief pulse of gas before lava blasts apart a section of the crater floor when fountaining begins.

lava flowing in Halemaʻumaʻu crater lava flowing in Halemaʻumaʻu crater
The Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u - June 7, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u - June 7, 2023

The summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano, within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, began at approximately 4:44 a.m. on June 7, 2023. This video, captured by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's V1cam on the northwest rim of the caldera, shows the opening phase of the eruption.

The summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano, within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, began at approximately 4:44 a.m. on June 7, 2023. This video, captured by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's V1cam on the northwest rim of the caldera, shows the opening phase of the eruption.

Aerial view of Halema‘uma‘u crater showing active vent sources and lava flooding the crater floor Aerial view of Halema‘uma‘u crater showing active vent sources and lava flooding the crater floor
Aerial video of Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u - June 7, 2023
Aerial video of Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u - June 7, 2023

HVO scientists conducted an overflight of the new eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano, within began the morning of June 7, 2023. This aerial video shows that multiple vent sources are active on the crater floor, much of which has been covered with new lava over the past several hours.

HVO scientists conducted an overflight of the new eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano, within began the morning of June 7, 2023. This aerial video shows that multiple vent sources are active on the crater floor, much of which has been covered with new lava over the past several hours.

Color photograph showing wind vortex at eruption Color photograph showing wind vortex at eruption
Kīlauea summit whirlwind in Halema‘uma‘u - June 7, 2023
Kīlauea summit whirlwind in Halema‘uma‘u - June 7, 2023

This video, taken from the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, shows a wind vortex or whirlwind above the eruption site at the summit of Kīlauea. These features have been observed during eruptions and form due to the extreme heat. 

This video, taken from the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, shows a wind vortex or whirlwind above the eruption site at the summit of Kīlauea. These features have been observed during eruptions and form due to the extreme heat. 

Red glowing lava bubbles and flows Red glowing lava bubbles and flows
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u - June 7, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u - June 7, 2023

A summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano, within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, began at approximately 4:44 a.m. on June 7, 2023. Lava is flowing on the crater floor and there are several active vent sources. The eruption at Kīlauea’s summit is occurring within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and high levels of volcanic gas are the primary hazard of concern.

A summit eruption of Kīlauea volcano, within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, began at approximately 4:44 a.m. on June 7, 2023. Lava is flowing on the crater floor and there are several active vent sources. The eruption at Kīlauea’s summit is occurring within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and high levels of volcanic gas are the primary hazard of concern.

Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor
Halemaʻumaʻu eruption sampling - June 7, 2023
Halemaʻumaʻu eruption sampling - June 7, 2023

During the morning of June 7, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists scouted the perimeter of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor for a location to sample lava erupted by new vents that opened that morning. Initial lava flows inundated the crater floor and although the lava flows on the perimeter were solid by the time geologists arrived, they were still hot to touch.

During the morning of June 7, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists scouted the perimeter of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor for a location to sample lava erupted by new vents that opened that morning. Initial lava flows inundated the crater floor and although the lava flows on the perimeter were solid by the time geologists arrived, they were still hot to touch.

Kīlauea eruption overflight video - June 7, 2023

A new eruption began in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, on the morning of June 7. This overflight occurred about two hours after the eruption onset and shows extensive lava fountaining supplying a rising lava lake within the crater. All lava is contained within the summit caldera. USGS video by M. Patrick.

A new eruption began in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, on the morning of June 7. This overflight occurred about two hours after the eruption onset and shows extensive lava fountaining supplying a rising lava lake within the crater. All lava is contained within the summit caldera. USGS video by M. Patrick.

color photograph of lava fountains color photograph of lava fountains
Vigorous lava fountaining from new vents in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano — June 7, 2023
Vigorous lava fountaining from new vents in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano — June 7, 2023

A new eruption began on June 7 in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. This video shows moments from the opening hours of the eruption, with an increase in vigor at vents in the western portion of the crater floor.

color photograph of vent erupting lava from crater wall color photograph of vent erupting lava from crater wall
Vent that formed on the wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano — June 7, 2023
Vent that formed on the wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano — June 7, 2023

An eruption began on June 7 in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Just a few hours after vents opened in the central part of the crater, a new vent formed on the crater wall, sending a cascade of lava into the growing lava lake.

An eruption began on June 7 in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Just a few hours after vents opened in the central part of the crater, a new vent formed on the crater wall, sending a cascade of lava into the growing lava lake.

Color photograph of vents erupting lava in crater Color photograph of vents erupting lava in crater
Timelapse of Halema‘uma‘u eruption, Kīlauea volcano — June 7-9, 2023
Timelapse of Halema‘uma‘u eruption, Kīlauea volcano — June 7-9, 2023

This timelapse video shows the first three days (June 7–9) of the new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The initial intensity of the eruption covered the crater floor with lava, fed by numerous fountains. As the eruption stabilized and the vigor declined, the area of active lava on the surface was reduced.

This timelapse video shows the first three days (June 7–9) of the new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The initial intensity of the eruption covered the crater floor with lava, fed by numerous fountains. As the eruption stabilized and the vigor declined, the area of active lava on the surface was reduced.

Color photograph of caldera Color photograph of caldera
May 23, 2023 — Routine overflight of Kīlauea summit
May 23, 2023 — Routine overflight of Kīlauea summit

A routine helicopter overflight provided aerial views of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The crater floor is covered by solidified lava erupted during the previous summit eruption, earlier this year. Inflation and seismic activity in the summit region indicate ongoing unrest. USGS video by M. Patrick.

A routine helicopter overflight provided aerial views of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The crater floor is covered by solidified lava erupted during the previous summit eruption, earlier this year. Inflation and seismic activity in the summit region indicate ongoing unrest. USGS video by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of truck Color photograph of truck
May 8, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project: Vibroseis Truck Test
May 8, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project: Vibroseis Truck Test

USGS scientists conducted a test of the Vibroseis vehicle in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at the summit of Kīlauea on May 8, 2023. Over the next month, the truck will be operating on roads in Kīlauea summit region.

USGS scientists conducted a test of the Vibroseis vehicle in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at the summit of Kīlauea on May 8, 2023. Over the next month, the truck will be operating on roads in Kīlauea summit region.

Color photograph of crater Color photograph of crater
May 3, 2023 — Aerial views of Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit
May 3, 2023 — Aerial views of Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit

HVO scientists conducted a routine overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. No eruptive activity was observed. This video shows a wide view of Halema‘uma‘u crater followed by two closer views of the crater.

HVO scientists conducted a routine overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. No eruptive activity was observed. This video shows a wide view of Halema‘uma‘u crater followed by two closer views of the crater.

Color photograph of crater floor Color photograph of crater floor
March 10, 2023 — Kīlauea, overflight video of Halema‘uma‘u
March 10, 2023 — Kīlauea, overflight video of Halema‘uma‘u

Eruptive activity was paused during the Friday, March 10, overflight of Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. Numerous outgassing sites were present on the crater floor, but not active lava was present on the surface. This video shows a wide view of the crater followed by a closer view of the western crater floor. 

Eruptive activity was paused during the Friday, March 10, overflight of Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. Numerous outgassing sites were present on the crater floor, but not active lava was present on the surface. This video shows a wide view of the crater followed by a closer view of the western crater floor. 

Color photograph of lava lake Color photograph of lava lake
February 14, 2023 — Continued lava lake activity at Kīlauea summit
February 14, 2023 — Continued lava lake activity at Kīlauea summit

Lava lake activity within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues. On February 14, low fountaining was present at the central vent, which was supplying lava into a channel that flowed towards the large eastern lake. 

Lava lake activity within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues. On February 14, low fountaining was present at the central vent, which was supplying lava into a channel that flowed towards the large eastern lake. 

Color photograph of lava lake Color photograph of lava lake
January 20, 2023 — Timelapse video of lava lake activity in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
January 20, 2023 — Timelapse video of lava lake activity in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea

Lava lake activity continues in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, on January 20, 2023. This time-lapse sequence shows an hour and a half of activity in the eastern lake. Lava upwells at the fountain source and spreads out towards the lake margin, where it downwells. Overall, activity in the crater has been steady in recent days. 

Lava lake activity continues in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, on January 20, 2023. This time-lapse sequence shows an hour and a half of activity in the eastern lake. Lava upwells at the fountain source and spreads out towards the lake margin, where it downwells. Overall, activity in the crater has been steady in recent days. 

Color photograph of lava lake Color photograph of lava lake
January 17, 2023 — Video from Kīlauea summit eruption overflight
January 17, 2023 — Video from Kīlauea summit eruption overflight

The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues with steady lava lake activity. The largest lake is in the eastern portion of the crater, and is supplied by a single fountain. A smaller lake is also active in the western portion of the crater, along with two other much smaller lakes. 

 

The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues with steady lava lake activity. The largest lake is in the eastern portion of the crater, and is supplied by a single fountain. A smaller lake is also active in the western portion of the crater, along with two other much smaller lakes. 

 

Color photograph of lava lake 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

This video, captured by the remote B1cam, shows lava erupting from multiple minor fountains (shown as a line of bright spots in the upper left of the video) and the cooling surface of the lava forming crustal plates that move toward the camera’s location.

An early morning overflight image from January 6, 2023 An early morning overflight image from January 6, 2023
An early morning overflight video from January 6, 2023
An early morning overflight video from January 6, 2023

An early morning overflight video from January 6, 2023, shows several areas of low lava fountaining in Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The island that formed during the opening phase of the 2020 eruption still exists and has not yet been overtopped by lava from the reawakened activity.

An early morning overflight video from January 6, 2023, shows several areas of low lava fountaining in Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The island that formed during the opening phase of the 2020 eruption still exists and has not yet been overtopped by lava from the reawakened activity.

Color photograph of volcanic vent opening 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

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.

Color photograph of eruption in crater 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

Kīlauea volcano began erupting in Halema‘uma‘u crater around 4:34 pm HST on January 5, 2023, as captured in this KWcam video. Within hours, multiple dome fountains were active in the central-eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater’s floor. There were several large bursts of lava from the newly opened vent.

Kīlauea volcano began erupting in Halema‘uma‘u crater around 4:34 pm HST on January 5, 2023, as captured in this KWcam video. Within hours, multiple dome fountains were active in the central-eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater’s floor. There were several large bursts of lava from the newly opened vent.

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