Multimedia Gallery
Videos
Watch scientific animations, presentations, video shorts, training, and more related to USGS science and research.
Kīlauea — Recent Change in Vent Configuration (Jan 18, 2021)
This video shows the two main vents active at the western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea's summit, with both supplying lava to the lava lake. Low fountaining was present at each vent.
Kīlauea — Low Fountaining Continues at Western Fissure (Jan 15, 2021)
Low fountaining remains active in the western fissure, supplying lava to the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Spatter deposits have built up a spatter cone around the vent. Occasional collapses of the unstable cone rim drop large chunks into the vent, disrupting the fountaining and creating a more chaotic spray of lava around the cone.
Kīlauea Volcano— Ongoing Eruption; West Vent (Jan 12, 2021)
This video taken on January 12, 2021, shows the west vent within Halema'uma'u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Low fountaining of about 5 m (16 ft) high is visible inside the spatter cone that has formed. The fountain is producing a cascade of lava—about 35 m (115 ft)—down to the lava lake.
Kīlauea summit eruption overflight (Jan 12, 2021)
A helicopter overflight on the morning of January 12, provided airborne views of the lava lake and active fissure within Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Low fountaining was present at the western fissure, with active surface lava limited to the western portion of the lava lake. The eastern half of the lake was covered by cooler, solidified surface lava.
Kīlauea Volcano—Western fissure activity Halema'uma'u (Jan 11, 2021)
This video taken on January 11, 2021 shows the surface activity had increased at the western fissure over the past two days, within Halema'uma'u at the summit of Kīlauea. Low fountaining was supplying lava to an open channel that poured into the lava lake.
Crustal Overturning in Halema‘uma‘u Lava Lake
This video shows crustal foundering and resurfacing at the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea on January 8, 2021. Recently this foundering process has been common in the eastern portion of the lake. The video is shown at 20x speed.
Halema‘uma‘u West Fissure Activity (Jan 8, 2021)
This video shows activity at the western fissure, in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea on January 8, 2021. The lava stream entering the lake appeared weaker than several days ago, when a dome fountain was active.
Halema‘uma‘u Lava Lake Aerial Views (Jan 7, 2021)
A helicopter overflight at approximately 10:30 a.m. HST provided views of the ongoing eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. Video is shown at 3 x speed. HVO geologists noted that the dome fountain, which had been persistent near the base of the west vent area, had subsided and was no longer present. Lava continues to enter the lake at the base of the west vents. Visual and
Kīlauea Volcano — Telephoto Views, Halema‘uma‘u Activity (Jan 6, 2021)
Telephoto video of lava flow and fountaining in Halema‘uma‘u lava lake; spatter bursts from the active west fissure vent in Halema‘uma‘u.
- Clip 1: The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u Crater is being fed by two sources from the western fissure today, the tubed over lava stream entering the lava lake at the margin (initiated yesterday) and the small dome fountain (
Kīlauea — Halema‘uma‘u West Vent Activity (Jan 5, 2021)
The activity at the Halema‘uma‘u west vent area on January 5, 2021, was dynamic. In the foreground, a “dome fountain” upwells from beneath the lake surface, pulsing with a bubble-like geometry. Just behind it, an effusive lava flow emerges from the base of the vent structure. A mid-elevation vent is also active, emitting another effusive lava flow. Finally, the higher
Dome Fountain Formed at Lava Lake Inlet, Halema'uma'u (Jan 2-3, 2020)
Lava forms a “dome fountain” at the inlet to the lava lake in Halema'uma'u crater January 2-3, 2021. Lava from the western vent cascades beneath roofed vertical channels to enter the lava lake at an inlet that has become partially submerged. The result is a rolling upwelling of lava near the inlet called a “dome fountain.”
Dome fountains have been observed during
Lava Entering Lava Lake in Halem'uma'u (Dec 31, 2020 - Jan 2, 2021)
These videos show an increase in the surface activity where lava is entering the lake.
- Clip 1: Lava from Halema‘uma‘u west vents entering the lava lake on December 31, 2020, at approximately 10 a.m. HST.
- Clip 2: Lava from Halema‘uma‘u west vents entering the lava lake on January 2, 2021, at approximately 11 p.m. HST.
Kīlauea Volcano, U.S
Eruption and Lava Lake in Halema'uma'u (Jan 1, 2021)
Videos of the eruption and lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u on January 1, 2021.
- Clip 1: Halema‘uma‘u west vents and lava entering the lava lake at approximately 5:30 p.m. HST.
- Clip 2: Telephoto view of lava from Halema‘uma‘u west vents entering the lava lake at approximately 5 p.m. HST.
- Clip 3: The lava lake overflows onto a lower edge along the
Crustal foundering on surface Halema'uma'u crater lava lake
This video, taken with a telephoto lens from an observation location on the rim, shows a process called “foundering”, in which a segment of cool lava crust on the surface of the lava lake is overridden by less-dense liquid from below causing the crust to sink into the underlying lake lava. Density-driven crustal foundering leading to surface renewal occurs repeatedly
Helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit eruption, 12/30/2020
Video from a helicopter overflight of Kīlauea summit eruption on December 30, 2020, around 10:00 a.m., shows the western vents (area of bluish-colored gas emissions on left) erupting through crusted-over channels into a lava lake within Halema'uma'u crater.
As of December 30, at 3:45 a.m., the lava lake was 181 m (593 ft) deep. The lake volume was about 23 million
Kīlauea — Thermal Imagery Timelapse (Dec 29, 2020)
Kīlauea Volcano, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory timelapse of thermal imagery showing Halema‘uma‘u west vents and lava entering the lava lake. This timelapse was taken over one hour, between approximately 10 and 11 p.m on December 29, 2020.
Halema‘uma‘u west vent flowing into lava lake 12/29/2020
29 December 2020 - Kīlauea Volcano - US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. This video, taken early morning on December 29, 2020, shows lava erupting from the west fissure in Halema‘uma‘u and pouring into the lava lake. Laser rangefinder measurements indicate that the opening lava pours from is 4-6 m (13-20 ft) wide. USGS video by H. Dietterich.
Lava flowing into Halema‘uma‘u from multiple channels 12/28/2020
Lava flowing from the western fissure vent feeds multiple channels. This video was taken by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's geology field team on December 28, 2020, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The team is located at an observation point on the rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, and is using a telephoto lens to document fissure behavior. During the three-hour period, the field team
Overflight of Halema‘uma‘u lava lake and active west vent, 12/28/20
28 December 2020 - Kīlauea Volcano, US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - A helicopter overflight this morning (9:30 a.m. HST) provided aerial views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u. This video shows the lava lake and active west vent. The spatter rampart built by the northern/eastern vent that is no longer erupting is visible on the crater wall. Visual and
Evening views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, 12/27/2020
27 December 2020 - Kīlauea Volcano US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - Evening views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u. The west vent remained active overnight, with strombolian-like bursts and lava cascades. Lava cascading from the vent plunges into the lava lake in multiple places, causing local upwelling. As the cascades enter the lava lake, they cause the
Overflight of Kīlauea's summit Lava Lake and Fissure
A helicopter overflight on December 26, 2020, provided aerial views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u. This video, which is sped up 3 times, shows the lava lake and active west vent that rejuvenated just before 3 a.m. HST today. Visual and thermal imagery collected during the overflight are used to map the ongoing activity.
Kīlauea — UAS Video of Halema‘uma‘u Crater Eruption (Dec. 25, 2020)
Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) video clips of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit. This collection of video clips from December 25, 2020 taken with UAS shows the then-dominant north vent fountain and occasional weak spattering from the west vent. The lava lake during the time of the video was measured at approximately 178 m (584 ft) deep
Halema'uma'u — Switch from Water Lake to Lava Lake (Thermal)
This thermal timelapse (from F1cam webcam) shows the switch from water lake to lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, spanning December 20 to December 24. During the initial phase of lava appearing in the crater, a large steam plume is generated as lava interacts with and boils off the water lake. The temperature scale in this initial phase is saturated, but the camera settings were
Halema'uma'u Lava Lake Fills from Two Spatter and Fountain Sources
23 December 2020 - Kīlauea Volcano US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Clip 1: A mid-day helicopter overflight provided aerial views of the eruption in Halema'uma'u crater. This video shows two active fissures erupting lava into a growing lava lake. Visual and thermal images collected during the overflight are used to map the ongoing activity. Clip 2: Three
Fissures, Lava Lake, Wind Vortex at Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
Fissures Feed a Lava Lake at Halema'uma'u, at Kīlauea Volcano's Summit. Since fissures opened on December 20, 2020 in Halema'uma'u crater, USGS–Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists have maintained a 24-hour watch from the rim, taking measurements and making visual observations. This video captures fountaining activity at the two active vents during the early morning
Overnight Fissure Activity Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea
Two fissure vents feed a growing lava lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u crater. A preliminary calculation of volume suggests that since the start of the eruption on December 20, 2020, approximately 8-10 million cubic meters of lava have been erupted. This is equivalent to over 2 billion gallons, the volume of 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Fissure Activity Within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea Volcano
Telephoto videos capture fissure activity within Halema‘uma‘u crater on December 22, 2020, at approximately 3:35 PM HST. (1) The first video shows the main northern fissure. The lava fountains have built up a horseshoe-shaped spatter cone (dark in color) around the perimeter of the vent. (2) 2) The second video shows the smaller western fissure. This fissure feeds a small
Fissure Vents Feed New Lava Lake at Halema'uma'u, Kīlauea (Dec 2020)
Lava returns to Halema'uma'u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. During a helicopter overflight on December 21, 2020, at approximately 11:30 AM HST, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed the northern fissure and lava cascade (right) supplying the majority of the lava into the lake, while the western (left) fissure was feeding several small channels that were
Lava flow in the Crater of Kīlauea Volcano (Dec 2020)
On December 20, 2020 just after 9:30 PM HST, lava began flowing from three fissure vents inside the crater of Kīlauea. The water lake at the base of the Halema'uma'u crater has boiled off. Lava is now feeding a growing lava lake. Additional photos and video are available at https://www.usgs.gov/
Timelapse showing surface motion of Kīlauea's summit water lake
This timelapse sequence shows 3.5 hours of activity at the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Several influx zones supply groundwater into the lake from the margins, creating shifting color zones on the lake surface. No significant changes have been observed in recent lake activity. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Video of the water lake at Kīlauea's summit
This video, taken on September 23, 2020, shows a small area of bubbling or upwelling along the western shoreline of the water lake at the summit of Kīlauea. This feature may result from a submerged fumarole (gas vent) on the crater wall. The extent of this feature is limited and it does not seem to have a significant effect on the overall lake surface activity. No other
Views of Kīlauea's growing summit water lake
A helicopter overflight on September 23, 2020, provided airborne views of the water lake at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Visual and thermal images collected during the overflight are used for mapping the slowly enlarging lake. A segment of the video shows the remains of Crater Rim Drive, a portion of which collapsed during the 2018 summit activity. USGS video by M.
Kīlauea Volcano summit water lake color zones on September 18, 2020
The color zones on the lake surface shift from minute to minute. This video shows how the color zones were creating a large swirl in the lake center. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Timelapse: 45 minutes of activity at Kīlauea's summit water lake
This timelapse video shows approximately 45 minutes of activity in the water lake at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. The video shows that the color zones are highly dynamic, shifting from minute to minute. This behavior has been common in the lake during much of the past year. Note that the camera exposure changes several times, shifting the color slightly at times. USGS
Time-Lapse of Yellowstone Lake (2019 - 2020)
This time-lapse movie, which spans January 2019 to August 2020, shows the changing nature of the seasons at Yellowstone Lake as captured by the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory webcam. Snow and ice come and go, and there is even a wildfire visible during the summer of 2019!
Timelapse showing typical activity at Kīlauea's summit water lake
This timelapse video at Kīlauea's summit covers approximately 30 minutes and shows the dynamic nature of the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater. Steam from the hot water surface is constantly shifting in the winds, while the migrating color boundaries on the water surface appear to show circulation in the lake. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus) Guarding Habitat
Multiple stressors such as climate change impacts and invasive species can have compounding impacts on native inland fish. Published literature is limited on how climate change will impact native tropical fish species, such as those in the Caribbean, and even less is known about how multiple stressors such as extreme flow events and presence of non-native competitors could
Thermal video of Kīlauea's summit water lake on June 23, 2020
This thermal video shows typical activity at Kīlauea's summit water lake. Steam carried across the water surface often masks thermal features on the underlying water surface. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Video of Kīlauea summit from May 29 overflight
This wide-angle video was captured during a helicopter overflight on May 29, and skirts the southern border of Halema‘uma‘u crater. The water lake, filling the bottom of the crater, was tan and brown today, and showed no significant changes. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Halema‘uma‘u rockslide on May 11, 2020
A small rockslide occurred today on the south wall of Halema‘uma‘u, sending boulders into the water at the bottom of the crater. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Timelapse of water rising in Halema‘uma‘u
This timelapse sequence shows the water pond in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at Kīlauea's summit, between November 1, 2019, and March 26, 2020. Over this time the water level rose approximately 14 meters (46 feet), equivalent to 67 cm (about 2 feet) per week. The timelapse shows one image per day (with a few cloudy images removed), and is looped several times.
Snow at Mauna Loa summit
Stormy weather moved through the islands over the past day, producing snow at the higher elevations of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. This sequence shows the webcam images at the summit of Mauna Loa, and the variable weather throughout the day.
Detecting Dune Features: Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
Tall and contiguous coastal dunes can substantially mitigate storm surge and flooding near our coasts. Understanding the position and height of dunes, as well as how these features change over time, is critical to the USGS mission of predicting impacts to coastal infrastructure and habitat caused by storms and hurricanes. To this end, the USGS operates a number of small
Thermal video of fissure 8 on January 21, 2020
This thermal video of the fissure 8 cone shows that small areas of higher temperatures (greater than 100 degrees Celsius, or 212 degrees Fahrenheit) are present on the cone. Those hotter areas likely represent residual heat in the cone and the underlying fissure. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Video of Fissure 8 flyover on January 21, 2020
This video clip shows a flyover of fissure 8 on Jan. 21. During the 2018 eruption, lava spilled out from the cone into a channel that extended towards the north. Lava traveled approximately 13 km (8 miles) to reach the ocean at Kapoho Bay. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Timelapse video of the water pond at Kīlauea summit
This timelapse sequence shows two hours of activity at the water pond in Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit. Flow is evident along the sharp orange color boundary in the center of the pond, as well as along portions of the shoreline. The pond is 189 m (650 ft) long. The vido was taken on the eastern rim.
Wintering Waterfowl at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
In this video, you can hear the honks and quacks of geese and ducks ring through the air, as birds fly in every direction above a wetland. This video was captured at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in November 2019, not long after geese and ducks began to arrive to spend the winter in the California Central Valley.
Video of UAS water sampling, Kīlauea summit
This video shows another view of the unmanned aircraft system sampling water from Halema‘uma‘u. USGS video by C. Parcheta, 26 Oct 2019.