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Explore our planet through photography and imagery, including climate change and water all the way back to the 1800s when the USGS was surveying the country by horse and buggy.

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Color photograph of volcanic vent
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption

The eruption continues in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit. This view from the southern crater rim shows the west vent fountains (center) supplying lava into the western portion of the lava lake. SO2 gas emission rates remain elevated, and were measured at 4,700 tonnes per day on October 7. USGS photo taken by L.

The eruption continues in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit. This view from the southern crater rim shows the west vent fountains (center) supplying lava into the western portion of the lava lake. SO2 gas emission rates remain elevated, and were measured at 4,700 tonnes per day on October 7. USGS photo taken by L.

Color photograph of island in lava lake
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption

Late afternoon sunlight illuminates the main island in the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The island formed in the previous summit eruption (December 2020-May 2021), and was covered with fresh spatter during the opening stages of the current eruption. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Late afternoon sunlight illuminates the main island in the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The island formed in the previous summit eruption (December 2020-May 2021), and was covered with fresh spatter during the opening stages of the current eruption. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of lava lake surface
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption

This photo from Thursday, October 7, shows the lava lake near the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The zig zag pattern separating the crustal plates is evident here, as are several spreading zones which cut across the pattern. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

This photo from Thursday, October 7, shows the lava lake near the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The zig zag pattern separating the crustal plates is evident here, as are several spreading zones which cut across the pattern. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption
October 7, 2021 — Kīlauea eruption

A view of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. This photo was taken from the northwest caldera rim, providing a good view inside the cone, as well as a view of the small spillway supplying lava into the lake. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A view of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. This photo was taken from the northwest caldera rim, providing a good view inside the cone, as well as a view of the small spillway supplying lava into the lake. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of lava
Crustal foundering in Halema‘uma‘u
Crustal foundering in Halema‘uma‘u
Crustal foundering in Halema‘uma‘u

A large crustal foundering event in Kīlauea's ongoing Halema‘uma‘u eruption occurred in the late afternoon on October 6, 2021. This photo was taken from the northwest crater rim looking east across the lava lake. USGS Photo: K. Lynn

A large crustal foundering event in Kīlauea's ongoing Halema‘uma‘u eruption occurred in the late afternoon on October 6, 2021. This photo was taken from the northwest crater rim looking east across the lava lake. USGS Photo: K. Lynn

Color graphic showing lava lake depth in crater relative to Empire State Building
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake depth compared to Empire State Building
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake depth compared to Empire State Building
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake depth compared to Empire State Building

On September 29, 2021, fissure vents opened in Halema‘uma‘u crater. A new lava lake began to form on the one previously active from December 2020–May 2021.

On September 29, 2021, fissure vents opened in Halema‘uma‘u crater. A new lava lake began to form on the one previously active from December 2020–May 2021.

Color photograph of lava fountain
West vent fountain on October 6, 2021
West vent fountain on October 6, 2021
West vent fountain on October 6, 2021

The west vent fountain in Kīlauea's ongoing Halema‘uma‘u eruption was 12 m (39 ft) above the lava lake surface in the late afternoon of October 6, 2021. This photo was taken by USGS geologist K. Lynn from the northwest rim of Halema‘uma‘u looking south.

The west vent fountain in Kīlauea's ongoing Halema‘uma‘u eruption was 12 m (39 ft) above the lava lake surface in the late afternoon of October 6, 2021. This photo was taken by USGS geologist K. Lynn from the northwest rim of Halema‘uma‘u looking south.

Color photograph of vent and lava lake
Close-up view of west vent, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea - October 5, 2021
Close-up view of west vent, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea - October 5, 2021
Close-up view of west vent, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea - October 5, 2021

Photo of fountaining from the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Spatter from the fountain continues to build up a horseshoe-shaped cone around the vent, with lava flowing into the lake at the base. This photo was taken from the western crater rim on October 5, 2021. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

Photo of fountaining from the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Spatter from the fountain continues to build up a horseshoe-shaped cone around the vent, with lava flowing into the lake at the base. This photo was taken from the western crater rim on October 5, 2021. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

Color photograph of scientist monitoring eruption
HVO geologist observing lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u - October 5, 2021
HVO geologist observing lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u - October 5, 2021
HVO geologist observing lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u - October 5, 2021

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologist notes observations of the active lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. HVO scientists continue to monitor the ongoing eruption from an area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that remains closed to the public due to hazardous conditions. USGS photo taken by N. Deligne on October 5, 2021.

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologist notes observations of the active lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. HVO scientists continue to monitor the ongoing eruption from an area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that remains closed to the public due to hazardous conditions. USGS photo taken by N. Deligne on October 5, 2021.

Color photograph of active lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater - October 5, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater - October 5, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater - October 5, 2021

A view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western crater rim looking east. The western vent (lower right) remains the dominant source of fountaining. One fountain remains active in the south portion of the lake (center right).

A view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western crater rim looking east. The western vent (lower right) remains the dominant source of fountaining. One fountain remains active in the south portion of the lake (center right).

Color map showing lava lake eruption features
October 5, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
October 5, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
October 5, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on October 5, 2021. Two eruptive vents are active at this time: one along the western edge of the rising lava lake, and one within the south-central portion of the lake.

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on October 5, 2021. Two eruptive vents are active at this time: one along the western edge of the rising lava lake, and one within the south-central portion of the lake.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
Western fissure, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea - October 5, 2021
Western fissure, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea - October 5, 2021
Western fissure, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea - October 5, 2021

Lava fountains from the western fissure vent in the Halema‘uma‘u crater wall, at Kīlauea's summit during the ongoing eruption. USGS video by N. Deligne.

Lava fountains from the western fissure vent in the Halema‘uma‘u crater wall, at Kīlauea's summit during the ongoing eruption. USGS video by N. Deligne.

arrows pointing to northern spotted owl territory and the movement of barred owl west and its present day territory
Barred owl movement west
Barred owl movement west
Barred owl movement west

Barred owls spread west during the 1900s and today completely overlap the range of the northern spotted owl.

Barred owls spread west during the 1900s and today completely overlap the range of the northern spotted owl.

map with hexagon grid overlay depicting study areas and points depicting barred owl sightings in 2015
Barred owl sightings at Oregon Coast Range monitoring sites, 2015
Barred owl sightings at Oregon Coast Range monitoring sites, 2015
Barred owl sightings at Oregon Coast Range monitoring sites, 2015

Locations of barred owl sightings recorded during 2015 owl monitoring activities. Barred owls were lethally removed from the areas highlighted in pink. Supporting data is found at https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201089.

Locations of barred owl sightings recorded during 2015 owl monitoring activities. Barred owls were lethally removed from the areas highlighted in pink. Supporting data is found at https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201089.

map with hexagon grid overlay depicting study areas and points depicting barred owl sightings in 2020
Barred owl sightings at Oregon Coast Range monitoring sites, 2020
Barred owl sightings at Oregon Coast Range monitoring sites, 2020
Barred owl sightings at Oregon Coast Range monitoring sites, 2020

Locations of barred owl sightings recorded during 2020 owl monitoring activities. Barred owls were lethally removed from the areas highlighted in pink. Supporting data is found at https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201089.

Locations of barred owl sightings recorded during 2020 owl monitoring activities. Barred owls were lethally removed from the areas highlighted in pink. Supporting data is found at https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201089.

A wide view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western crater rim
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021

A wide view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western crater rim. The western vent (lower right) remains the dominant source of fountaining, while low lava fountains are still emerging through the southern portion of the lava lake (center right). USGS photo by M. Patrick taken on October 4, 2021.

A wide view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western crater rim. The western vent (lower right) remains the dominant source of fountaining, while low lava fountains are still emerging through the southern portion of the lava lake (center right). USGS photo by M. Patrick taken on October 4, 2021.

A telephoto image of fountaining from the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021

A telephoto image of fountaining from the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Spatter from the fountain continues to build up a cone around the vent, which is almost entirely out of view from this angle. This photo was taken from the western crater rim on October 4, 2021. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A telephoto image of fountaining from the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Spatter from the fountain continues to build up a cone around the vent, which is almost entirely out of view from this angle. This photo was taken from the western crater rim on October 4, 2021. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A close-up view of the western fissure and lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021

A close-up view of the western fissure and lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The lava lake crust develops a complex pattern as it flows away from its source at the western vent (bottom right). USGS photo by M. Patrick taken on October 4, 2021.

A close-up view of the western fissure and lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The lava lake crust develops a complex pattern as it flows away from its source at the western vent (bottom right). USGS photo by M. Patrick taken on October 4, 2021.

A geologist uses a laser rangefinder to measure the elevation of the active lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologist uses a laser rangefinder to measure the elevation of the active lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. HVO scientists continue to monitor the ongoing eruption from an area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that remains closed to the public due to safety concerns. USGS photo taken by M.

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologist uses a laser rangefinder to measure the elevation of the active lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. HVO scientists continue to monitor the ongoing eruption from an area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that remains closed to the public due to safety concerns. USGS photo taken by M.

A telephoto view of fountaining at the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021

A telephoto view of fountaining at the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Spatter from the fountain has built a horseshoe-shaped cone around the vent in the western crater wall. Molten spatter accumulating on the cone forms a tiny stream of lava down the north side (bottom center).

A telephoto view of fountaining at the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Spatter from the fountain has built a horseshoe-shaped cone around the vent in the western crater wall. Molten spatter accumulating on the cone forms a tiny stream of lava down the north side (bottom center).

An overflow of lava from the active lava lake poured into and along the levee
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 4, 2021

An overflow of lava from the active lake (left) poured onto and along the levee (right) on the eastern end of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo by M. Patrick taken on October 4, 2021.

An overflow of lava from the active lake (left) poured onto and along the levee (right) on the eastern end of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo by M. Patrick taken on October 4, 2021.