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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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A telephoto image of the west vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 3, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 3, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 3, 2021

A telephoto image of the west vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The west vent lava fountain remains active with sustained heights of 10–15 meters (33–49 ft). The fountain continues to build a spatter cone around it, but is mostly out of view from this vantage point on the western crater rim. USGS photo taken by D.

A telephoto image of the west vent within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The west vent lava fountain remains active with sustained heights of 10–15 meters (33–49 ft). The fountain continues to build a spatter cone around it, but is mostly out of view from this vantage point on the western crater rim. USGS photo taken by D.

A telephoto image of the southern lava fountain from the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 3, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 3, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 3, 2021

A telephoto image of the southern lava fountain from the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit. This view shows most of the fissure vent that is located within the south-central part of the lava lake. The fissure is about 35 m long and has sustained low fountains heights of up to 5 meters (16 ft), with some bursts reaching up to 10 meters (33 ft) high.

A telephoto image of the southern lava fountain from the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit. This view shows most of the fissure vent that is located within the south-central part of the lava lake. The fissure is about 35 m long and has sustained low fountains heights of up to 5 meters (16 ft), with some bursts reaching up to 10 meters (33 ft) high.

A telephoto image looking north at the largest island within the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

A telephoto image looking north at the largest island within the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit. A low fountaining site along the southeast side of the main island (right), has built a small cone approximately 5 meters (16 ft) tall on the edge of the island. Occasional spatter was ejected from the vent at the top of the cone. UGSG photo taken by L.

A telephoto image looking north at the largest island within the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit. A low fountaining site along the southeast side of the main island (right), has built a small cone approximately 5 meters (16 ft) tall on the edge of the island. Occasional spatter was ejected from the vent at the top of the cone. UGSG photo taken by L.

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the south rim of the crater. The west vent continues to be the most vigorous source, with sustained lava fountain heights of 10–15 meters (33–49 ft). Spatter from the lava fountain continues to build a horseshoe-shaped cone around it.

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the south rim of the crater. The west vent continues to be the most vigorous source, with sustained lava fountain heights of 10–15 meters (33–49 ft). Spatter from the lava fountain continues to build a horseshoe-shaped cone around it.

A telephoto image of the south-central lava fountain in the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

A telephoto image of the south-central lava fountain in the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western rim of the crater. This is the most vigorous fountaining source within the south and central lava lake region and is 35 meters (115 ft) long with sustained fountain heights of 5–10 meters (16–33 ft). UGSG photo taken by L.

A telephoto image of the south-central lava fountain in the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western rim of the crater. This is the most vigorous fountaining source within the south and central lava lake region and is 35 meters (115 ft) long with sustained fountain heights of 5–10 meters (16–33 ft). UGSG photo taken by L.

Color photograph of active lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

KWcam image taken on October 2, 2021, at 6 a.m. HST. This image shows the ongoing eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruption began the afternoon of September 29, 2021, as fissures in the floor of the crater; this activity is generating a lava lake that is slowly filling the crater. USGS webcam image. 

KWcam image taken on October 2, 2021, at 6 a.m. HST. This image shows the ongoing eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruption began the afternoon of September 29, 2021, as fissures in the floor of the crater; this activity is generating a lava lake that is slowly filling the crater. USGS webcam image. 

Color photograph of active lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

With permission from Hawa‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists continue to monitor the ongoing eruption within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit. No significant changes have occurred over the past 24 hours.

With permission from Hawa‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists continue to monitor the ongoing eruption within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit. No significant changes have occurred over the past 24 hours.

Color photograph of active lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

Lava continues to erupt from multiple vents on the base and west wall of Halemaʻumaʻu during the evening of October 2, 2021. Kīlauea summit sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates remain high and were estimated at around 20,000 tonnes per day the morning of September 30, 2021.

Lava continues to erupt from multiple vents on the base and west wall of Halemaʻumaʻu during the evening of October 2, 2021. Kīlauea summit sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates remain high and were estimated at around 20,000 tonnes per day the morning of September 30, 2021.

Color photograph of scientist monitoring active lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit, continues as of the evening of October 2, 2021. From the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u, this image shows at least three fountaining sources in the crater.

The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit, continues as of the evening of October 2, 2021. From the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u, this image shows at least three fountaining sources in the crater.

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western rim of the crater. This fountain continues to produce the largest volcanic gas plume. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists continue to monitor the eruption from an area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that remains closed to the public due to safety reasons.

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the western rim of the crater. This fountain continues to produce the largest volcanic gas plume. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists continue to monitor the eruption from an area within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that remains closed to the public due to safety reasons.

A telephoto image of the south-central lava fountain in the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 2, 2021

A telephoto image of the south-central lava fountain in the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the south rim of the crater. This fissure continues to produce sustained lava fountain heights of 5–10 meters (16–33 ft), with occasional higher bursts of spatter. UGSG photo taken by L. DeSmither on October 2, 2021.

A telephoto image of the south-central lava fountain in the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea, taken from the south rim of the crater. This fissure continues to produce sustained lava fountain heights of 5–10 meters (16–33 ft), with occasional higher bursts of spatter. UGSG photo taken by L. DeSmither on October 2, 2021.

Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

Aerial image looking to the west of the large island that is floating within the middle of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit. There are several vents with fountains reaching to just a few meters (yards) high. One of the vents along the eastern margin of the island has started to form spatter ramparts to enclose it. USGS photo by D. Downs.

Aerial image looking to the west of the large island that is floating within the middle of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit. There are several vents with fountains reaching to just a few meters (yards) high. One of the vents along the eastern margin of the island has started to form spatter ramparts to enclose it. USGS photo by D. Downs.

Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

Aerial photo taken during a morning overflight on October 1, 2021, and looking at the west end of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The west vent that is feeding this part of the lava lake is visible; the base of this vent was well above the lava lake when it opened on the afternoon of September 29, 2021.

Aerial photo taken during a morning overflight on October 1, 2021, and looking at the west end of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The west vent that is feeding this part of the lava lake is visible; the base of this vent was well above the lava lake when it opened on the afternoon of September 29, 2021.

Color photograph of active lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

In the afternoon of October 1, 2021, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed the ongoing eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu from the northwest rim of the crater at Kīlauea's summit.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

A view of the new eruption within Halema'uma'u at Kīlauea summit at approximately 9 a.m. HST on the morning of October 1, 2021.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

A helicopter overflight the morning of October 1, 2021, provided aerial views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit. This view, looking to the west, shows an active lava fountain located within the south-central part of the lava lake. This fountain is only a few meters (yards) high. USGS photo by D. Downs.

A helicopter overflight the morning of October 1, 2021, provided aerial views of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit. This view, looking to the west, shows an active lava fountain located within the south-central part of the lava lake. This fountain is only a few meters (yards) high. USGS photo by D. Downs.

Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

Aerial view of the active lava lake and vents within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. This view is looking to the northwest.

Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

Aerial image looking to the southwest and showing fissures within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit, producing lava fountains within the southern and south-central part of the lava lake. These lava fountains are less energetic than when the eruption started on September 29, 2021, but are still spattering to heights of about 5 meters (16 ft) or less.

Aerial image looking to the southwest and showing fissures within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit, producing lava fountains within the southern and south-central part of the lava lake. These lava fountains are less energetic than when the eruption started on September 29, 2021, but are still spattering to heights of about 5 meters (16 ft) or less.

telephoto view of the south-central and western fissure fountains that continue to erupt lava into the growing lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021

A telephoto view of the south-central and western fissure fountains that continue to erupt lava into the growing lava lake at Kīlauea summit. The lava lake and eruptive activity are confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

A telephoto view of the south-central and western fissure fountains that continue to erupt lava into the growing lava lake at Kīlauea summit. The lava lake and eruptive activity are confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

The growing lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu, at the summit of Kīlauea, has risen roughly 27 m (89 ft) since the eruption started
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021

The growing lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu, at the summit of Kīlauea, has risen roughly 27 m (89 ft) since the eruption started on September 29, 2021 at 3:21 p.m. HST. The eruption began with a fissure opening along the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, through the surface of the solidified 2020–21 lava lake.

The growing lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu, at the summit of Kīlauea, has risen roughly 27 m (89 ft) since the eruption started on September 29, 2021 at 3:21 p.m. HST. The eruption began with a fissure opening along the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, through the surface of the solidified 2020–21 lava lake.

 telephoto image of the lava lake margin
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021

This telephoto image of the lava lake margin was taken during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kīlauea summit eruption overflight this morning. The lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater is forming a “perched” levee around parts of the lake perimeter.

This telephoto image of the lava lake margin was taken during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kīlauea summit eruption overflight this morning. The lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater is forming a “perched” levee around parts of the lake perimeter.

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