Photo and Video Chronology – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory – February 17, 2023

By Hawaiian Volcano Observatory February 17, 2023

HVO scientists collect detailed data to assess hazards and understand how the eruption is evolving at Kīlauea's summit, all of which are shared with the National Park Service and emergency managers. Access to this hazardous area is by permission from, and in coordination with, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

February 15, 2023 — Kīlauea

Overcast at Kīlauea summit

Color photograph of lava lake and bird — A Koa‘e kea (white-tailed tropic bird) was flying through the mist and steam within Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning of February 15, 2023. These birds are frequently seen flying around the crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS image by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of lava lakes — During a Kīlauea summit eruption field shift on February 15, 2023, HVO geologists were able to briefly glimpse the active lava on Halema‘uma‘u crater floor between shifting mist and rain. The lava pond in the central portion of the crater floor has a small lava fountain, near which a rampart that is nearly 8 meters (26 feet) tall has formed. Channels from this central lava pond are now flowing to the eastern lake The western lake in the basin of the 2021–2022 lava lake, visible in the foreground of the photo, also remains active. USGS image by K. Mulliken.

February 14, 2023 — Kīlauea

Continued lava lake activity at Kīlauea summit

Color photograph of lava lake — On February 14, 2023, low fountaining was also present at the central vent in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava upwelling at this vent then flowed eastward through a channel towards the larger, eastern lake. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of lava fountain — Low fountaining continues in the eastern lake, in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Several small islands of solidified lava are present in the lake. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Sources/Usage: Public Domain.

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.