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Explore a diverse collection of engaging videos showcasing the latest research, discoveries, and educational content from the U.S. Geological Survey. Dive into the fascinating world of geology, hydrology, ecology, and natural hazards as we bring science to life. Stay informed and inspired by our visual storytelling that highlights the vital work of USGS scientists and their impact on the planet.

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Hoodoo Hodunit?! Hoodoo Hodunit?! (Yellowstone Monthly Update – April 2025)
Hoodoo Hodunit?! (Yellowstone Monthly Update – April 2025)
Hoodoo Hodunit?! (Yellowstone Monthly Update – April 2025)

Well look at this mess! What’s going on? 

We’re just south of Mammoth Hot Springs at a place informally known as the Hoodoos. The official designation for the area is Silver Gate, named by an early Yellowstone National Park visitor because of the way the road wound between the closely spaced white and gray boulders. 

Well look at this mess! What’s going on? 

We’re just south of Mammoth Hot Springs at a place informally known as the Hoodoos. The official designation for the area is Silver Gate, named by an early Yellowstone National Park visitor because of the way the road wound between the closely spaced white and gray boulders. 

I'm melting. So are the streets at Yellowstone. "I'm Melting!" So are the streets at Yellowstone (Yellowstone Monthly Update - March 2025)
"I'm Melting!" So are the streets at Yellowstone (Yellowstone Monthly Update - March 2025)
"I'm Melting!" So are the streets at Yellowstone (Yellowstone Monthly Update - March 2025)

Is it true roads in Yellowstone National Park are melting? Whatever you might have heard, it's nothing new and it's not due to increased volcanic activity. Get up-to-speed in this month's update from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (March 2025).

Is it true roads in Yellowstone National Park are melting? Whatever you might have heard, it's nothing new and it's not due to increased volcanic activity. Get up-to-speed in this month's update from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (March 2025).

An illustration containing satellite imagery of an iceberg and a title and graphic element Massive Iceberg on the Loose (Image of the Week)
Massive Iceberg on the Loose (Image of the Week)
Massive Iceberg on the Loose (Image of the Week)

The world’s largest iceberg floats freely in the Southern Ocean.

Iceberg A23a is a 1,500 square mile ice mass larger than the state of Rhode Island. A23a weighs approximately 1 trillion tons and measures around 1,300 feet thick.

The world’s largest iceberg floats freely in the Southern Ocean.

Iceberg A23a is a 1,500 square mile ice mass larger than the state of Rhode Island. A23a weighs approximately 1 trillion tons and measures around 1,300 feet thick.

Color photograph of eruption plume and mountain in background January 3, 2025 — Kīlauea eruption observations video compilation
January 3, 2025 — Kīlauea eruption observations video compilation
January 3, 2025 — Kīlauea eruption observations video compilation

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists captured these videos of the Kīlauea summit on January 3, 2025, during a morning overflight at approximately 7 a.m. HST. With permission from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, geologists landed in Halemaʻumaʻu, which is home to the Native Hawaiian elemental force associated with lava, Pele.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists captured these videos of the Kīlauea summit on January 3, 2025, during a morning overflight at approximately 7 a.m. HST. With permission from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, geologists landed in Halemaʻumaʻu, which is home to the Native Hawaiian elemental force associated with lava, Pele.

Color photograph of erupting vent January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea eruptive vents
January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea eruptive vents
January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea eruptive vents

On January 2, USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists measured lava fountains at Kīlauea summit reaching heights of 262-295 feet (80-90 meters). USGS photo by M. Patrick. 

On January 2, USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists measured lava fountains at Kīlauea summit reaching heights of 262-295 feet (80-90 meters). USGS photo by M. Patrick. 

Color photograph of erupting vent January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea eruptive vents
January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea eruptive vents
January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea eruptive vents

Another telephoto view of the vents erupting at Kīlauea summit on January 2, 2025. View is from the closed west rim area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. USGS video by M. Patrick. 

Another telephoto view of the vents erupting at Kīlauea summit on January 2, 2025. View is from the closed west rim area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. USGS video by M. Patrick. 

Color photograph of erupting vents January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption
January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption
January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea summit eruption

Over the past day, vents in the southwest portion of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) have continued producing a fan of lava flows covering the western portion of the crater floor during sustained lava fountaining. USGS photo by M. Patrick on January 2, 2025. 

Over the past day, vents in the southwest portion of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) have continued producing a fan of lava flows covering the western portion of the crater floor during sustained lava fountaining. USGS photo by M. Patrick on January 2, 2025. 

Color photograph of lava fountain January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea vents
January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea vents
January 2, 2025 — Kīlauea vents

Lava fountaining in the southwest portion of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) has producing tephra cone perched along the caldera wall. USGS video by M. Patrick on January 2, 2025. 

Lava fountaining in the southwest portion of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) has producing tephra cone perched along the caldera wall. USGS video by M. Patrick on January 2, 2025. 

Happy New Year! Top 5 Geologic Stories in 2024 Top 5 Yellowstone Stories of 2024 (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Jan 2025)
Top 5 Yellowstone Stories of 2024 (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Jan 2025)
Top 5 Yellowstone Stories of 2024 (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Jan 2025)

In addition to the December 2024 update, Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, presents YVO’s top five geologic stories from Yellowstone National Park in 2024. 

In addition to the December 2024 update, Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, presents YVO’s top five geologic stories from Yellowstone National Park in 2024. 

Color photograph of erupting vents December 29, 2024 — Increased fountaining vigor at Kīlauea summit
December 29, 2024 — Increased fountaining vigor at Kīlauea summit
December 29, 2024 — Increased fountaining vigor at Kīlauea summit

Fountaining at Kīlauea summit increased in vigor on December 29. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists on the crater rim the morning of December 29 observed an increase in height throughout their field shift, up to about 40 m (130 feet). Lava effusion was also starting to form a perched lava pond in front of the vents. USGS video by M. Patrick. 

Fountaining at Kīlauea summit increased in vigor on December 29. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists on the crater rim the morning of December 29 observed an increase in height throughout their field shift, up to about 40 m (130 feet). Lava effusion was also starting to form a perched lava pond in front of the vents. USGS video by M. Patrick. 

Color photograph of vents erupting lava December 29, 2024 — Increased fountaining vigor at Kīlauea summit
December 29, 2024 — Increased fountaining vigor at Kīlauea summit
December 29, 2024 — Increased fountaining vigor at Kīlauea summit

This video shows lava fountaining within Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on the morning of December 29, 2024, as viewed from the south rim of the crater by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists. USGS video by M. Patrick

This video shows lava fountaining within Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on the morning of December 29, 2024, as viewed from the south rim of the crater by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists. USGS video by M. Patrick

Color photograph of new lava flows in crater December 27, 2024 — Kīlauea eruption overflight
December 27, 2024 — Kīlauea eruption overflight
December 27, 2024 — Kīlauea eruption overflight

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight on the morning of Friday, December 27, 2024, of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight on the morning of Friday, December 27, 2024, of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater.

Color photograph of lava fountain December 24, 2024 - Video of lava fountains at Kīlauea summit
December 24, 2024 - Video of lava fountains at Kīlauea summit
December 24, 2024 - Video of lava fountains at Kīlauea summit

Glowing red lava fountains are continuing to erupt at Kīlauea summit this Christmas Eve. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists monitored the eruption from the caldera rim, measuring the lava fountain heights at approximately 75 meters (246 feet) during an afternoon monitoring fieldshift.

Glowing red lava fountains are continuing to erupt at Kīlauea summit this Christmas Eve. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists monitored the eruption from the caldera rim, measuring the lava fountain heights at approximately 75 meters (246 feet) during an afternoon monitoring fieldshift.

Color image of webcam capturing eruption start December 23, 2024 - B2cam captures eruption start
December 23, 2024 - B2cam captures eruption start
December 23, 2024 - B2cam captures eruption start

The B2cam captures a live view of Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the east rim and down-dropped block, looking west across Kīlauea summit caldera. On December 23, 2024, it captured the start of another Kīlauea summit eruption. Images taken by the webcam were compiled into this timelapse video that shows lava fountains feeding lava flows across the caldera floor.

The B2cam captures a live view of Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the east rim and down-dropped block, looking west across Kīlauea summit caldera. On December 23, 2024, it captured the start of another Kīlauea summit eruption. Images taken by the webcam were compiled into this timelapse video that shows lava fountains feeding lava flows across the caldera floor.

Color photograph of lava eruptive and feeding lava flows on crater floor December 23, 2024 - Kīlauea summit eruption
December 23, 2024 - Kīlauea summit eruption
December 23, 2024 - Kīlauea summit eruption

This video, taken from the west rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), in the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, shows the new eruption that started this morning at 2:20 a.m. HST. At approximately 4:30 a.m.

This video, taken from the west rim of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera), in the closed area of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, shows the new eruption that started this morning at 2:20 a.m. HST. At approximately 4:30 a.m.

Color photograph of caldera with fresh lava flows and active eruption December 23, 2024 - Kīlauea summit eruption overflight
December 23, 2024 - Kīlauea summit eruption overflight
December 23, 2024 - Kīlauea summit eruption overflight

This aerial video, captured during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring overflight at approximately 2:30 p.m. HST, shows lava fountaining in the southwest part of Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera). The eruption began today, December 23, 2024, and covered approximately 650 acres of the caldera floor with lava. USGS video by M. Patrick. 

This aerial video, captured during a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitoring overflight at approximately 2:30 p.m. HST, shows lava fountaining in the southwest part of Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera). The eruption began today, December 23, 2024, and covered approximately 650 acres of the caldera floor with lava. USGS video by M. Patrick. 

Color photograph of active lava flows December 23, 2024 - V1cam captures Kīlauea summit eruption onset
December 23, 2024 - V1cam captures Kīlauea summit eruption onset
December 23, 2024 - V1cam captures Kīlauea summit eruption onset

The V1cam provides a live view of Kīlauea caldera down-dropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the northwest rim of the caldera. It captured the Kīlauea summit eruption start on December 23, 2024, and images are compiled into a timelapse sequence here.

The V1cam provides a live view of Kīlauea caldera down-dropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater from the northwest rim of the caldera. It captured the Kīlauea summit eruption start on December 23, 2024, and images are compiled into a timelapse sequence here.

Thumbnail reads: 1 Hour of Earth from Above, Relaxing Landsat Satellite Imagery 1 HOUR Relaxing Satellite Imagery (Sleep Music, Landsat, Concentrate, Meditation)
1 HOUR Relaxing Satellite Imagery (Sleep Music, Landsat, Concentrate, Meditation)
1 HOUR Relaxing Satellite Imagery (Sleep Music, Landsat, Concentrate, Meditation)

Landsat satellites capture images of the Earth’s surface. While the sensors aboard Landsat capture a wide range of scientifically useful wavelengths, this collection reveals natural color imagery in the red, green and blue parts of the visible spectrum, as if viewed by the naked eye from 438 miles above the surface.

Landsat satellites capture images of the Earth’s surface. While the sensors aboard Landsat capture a wide range of scientifically useful wavelengths, this collection reveals natural color imagery in the red, green and blue parts of the visible spectrum, as if viewed by the naked eye from 438 miles above the surface.

Hydrothermal thermal explosions – more common than you think Hydrothermal Explosions — more common than you think! (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Dec 2024)
Hydrothermal Explosions — more common than you think! (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Dec 2024)
Hydrothermal Explosions — more common than you think! (Yellowstone Monthly Update - Dec 2024)

The hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin stole all the headlines. But did you know there was a smaller hydrothermal explosion in Norris Geyser Basin on April 15, 2024? That explosion was detected by a new infrasound sensor installed this past September. Watch to learn more.

The hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin stole all the headlines. But did you know there was a smaller hydrothermal explosion in Norris Geyser Basin on April 15, 2024? That explosion was detected by a new infrasound sensor installed this past September. Watch to learn more.

Text: Can these rocks reduce flooding? with an image of Laura Norman and a two men standing on a gabion in the background. Can these rocks reduce flooding? (English captions)
Can these rocks reduce flooding? (English captions)
Can these rocks reduce flooding? (English captions)

Creating a binational sponge city in the desert: Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.

Creating a binational sponge city in the desert: Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.

Obsidian a valuable commodity Obsidian: Not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. (Yellowstone Monthly Update - November 2024)
Obsidian: Not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. (Yellowstone Monthly Update - November 2024)
Obsidian: Not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. (Yellowstone Monthly Update - November 2024)

Obsidian: It’s not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. Obsidian was an important resource for Indigenous peoples across western North America. Learn more in this month's update.

Obsidian: It’s not just a valuable commodity in Minecraft. Obsidian was an important resource for Indigenous peoples across western North America. Learn more in this month's update.

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