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The USGS is a science organization that provides impartial information on the health of our ecosystems and environment, the natural hazards that threaten us, the natural resources we rely on, the impacts of climate and land-use change, and the core science systems that help us provide timely, relevant, and useable information.

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Man standing in front of TV Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for January 2021
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for January 2021
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for January 2021

Mike Poland, Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, gives an overview of activity at Yellowstone Volcano during January 2021.

 

Mike Poland, Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, gives an overview of activity at Yellowstone Volcano during January 2021.

 

Continued Eruption at Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea
Continued Eruption at Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea
Continued Eruption at Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea

Eruptive activity continues within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The western fissure continues to supply lava into the lava lake, with active surface lava largely confined to the western portion of the lake.
 

Eruptive activity continues within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The western fissure continues to supply lava into the lava lake, with active surface lava largely confined to the western portion of the lake.
 

Image of the Week: Glacial Retreat Fills Alaska Lake
Image of the Week: Glacial Retreat Fills Alaska Lake
Image of the Week: Glacial Retreat Fills Alaska Lake

The visible impact of climate change on the Earth’s surface is often clearest in the Arctic’s receding glaciers and swelling glacial lakes. Southeastern Alaska’s Harlequin Lake is one of the fastest-growing in North America. These false color Landsat images show the rapidly-retreating Yakutat Glacier, which feeds the lake.

The visible impact of climate change on the Earth’s surface is often clearest in the Arctic’s receding glaciers and swelling glacial lakes. Southeastern Alaska’s Harlequin Lake is one of the fastest-growing in North America. These false color Landsat images show the rapidly-retreating Yakutat Glacier, which feeds the lake.

USGS Pacific Seabird Research
USGS Pacific Seabird Research
USGS Pacific Seabird Research

Alaska's coastal and offshore waters provide foraging habitat for an estimated 100 million birds comprising more than 90 different species. Researchers at the USGS Alaska Science Center work in collaboration with many partner agencies, non-governmental organizations, universities and rehabilitation centers to investigate seabirds.

Alaska's coastal and offshore waters provide foraging habitat for an estimated 100 million birds comprising more than 90 different species. Researchers at the USGS Alaska Science Center work in collaboration with many partner agencies, non-governmental organizations, universities and rehabilitation centers to investigate seabirds.

Global Land Surface Temperature from 2020 as Observed by Terra MODIS
Global Land Surface Temperature from 2020 as Observed by Terra MODIS
Global Land Surface Temperature from 2020 as Observed by Terra MODIS

The surface temperature of the land changes rapidly across the world throughout the course of one year. This video shows the changing temperatures throughout 2020 using 8-day land surface temperature (LST) data from the Terra MODIS satellite sensor.

The surface temperature of the land changes rapidly across the world throughout the course of one year. This video shows the changing temperatures throughout 2020 using 8-day land surface temperature (LST) data from the Terra MODIS satellite sensor.

When will Mauna Loa erupt next?
When will Mauna Loa erupt next?
When will Mauna Loa erupt next?

Because Mauna Loa has been quiet for almost 30 years, residents may not be aware that Mauna Loa is an active volcano. When Mauna Loa erupts, it is capable of disrupting lives and commerce throughout the Island of Hawai‘i. What can we learn from Mauna Loa’s past eruptions?

Because Mauna Loa has been quiet for almost 30 years, residents may not be aware that Mauna Loa is an active volcano. When Mauna Loa erupts, it is capable of disrupting lives and commerce throughout the Island of Hawai‘i. What can we learn from Mauna Loa’s past eruptions?

Cyclic Fluctuations in Kīlauea's Summit Eruptive Vigor
Cyclic Fluctuations in Kīlauea's Summit Eruptive Vigor
Cyclic Fluctuations in Kīlauea's Summit Eruptive Vigor

Cyclic fluctuations in eruptive vigor were present recently at the western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The cycles occurred on January 22 and 23, with cycles lasting 5-6 minutes. Peaks in the cycles were expressed as high flow rates in the channel and spattering at the vents. During troughs in the cycles, the channel became nearly inactive.

Cyclic fluctuations in eruptive vigor were present recently at the western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The cycles occurred on January 22 and 23, with cycles lasting 5-6 minutes. Peaks in the cycles were expressed as high flow rates in the channel and spattering at the vents. During troughs in the cycles, the channel became nearly inactive.

Gearing up for Landing Day—USGS Mars Rover Team (Dr. Ryan Anderson)
Gearing up for Landing Day—USGS Mars Rover Team (Dr. Ryan Anderson)
Gearing up for Landing Day—USGS Mars Rover Team (Dr. Ryan Anderson)

Gearing up for Landing Day - An Interview with USGS Scientist and Mars Rover Team Member, Dr. Ryan Anderson

Gearing up for Landing Day - An Interview with USGS Scientist and Mars Rover Team Member, Dr. Ryan Anderson

Kīlauea Summit Eruption (January 22, 2021)
Kīlauea Summit Eruption (January 22, 2021)
Kīlauea Summit Eruption (January 22, 2021)

Flames have been observed numerous times at the western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The combusting gas is not certain, but flames were observed numerous times in Halema‘uma‘u during the early 1900s lava lake.

Flames have been observed numerous times at the western fissure in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The combusting gas is not certain, but flames were observed numerous times in Halema‘uma‘u during the early 1900s lava lake.

Image of the Week - 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
Image of the Week - 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
Image of the Week - 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

On December 26th, 2004, a massive 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The third largest earthquake ever recorded lifted the sea floor several meters, causing tsunami waves to ripple out in all directions and race across the ocean. Banda Aceh bore the brunt of the waves just 15 to 20 minutes after the earthquake.

On December 26th, 2004, a massive 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The third largest earthquake ever recorded lifted the sea floor several meters, causing tsunami waves to ripple out in all directions and race across the ocean. Banda Aceh bore the brunt of the waves just 15 to 20 minutes after the earthquake.

What’s happening at Kīlauea Volcano?
What’s happening at Kīlauea Volcano?
What’s happening at Kīlauea Volcano?

On December 20, 2020, an eruption began in Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit, ending a two-year eruptive pause. The water lake that appeared at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u in late July 2019, which had grown to be over 50 meters (55 yards) deep and more than 10 acres in surface area, quickly vaporized and was replaced by a growing lava lake.

On December 20, 2020, an eruption began in Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit, ending a two-year eruptive pause. The water lake that appeared at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u in late July 2019, which had grown to be over 50 meters (55 yards) deep and more than 10 acres in surface area, quickly vaporized and was replaced by a growing lava lake.

Kīlauea — Recent Change in Vent Configuration (Jan 18, 2021)
Kīlauea — Recent Change in Vent Configuration (Jan 18, 2021)
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. 
 

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)
Kīlauea — Low Fountaining Continues at Western Fissure (Jan 15, 2021)
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.

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.

Kīlauea summit eruption overflight (Jan 12, 2021)
Kīlauea summit eruption overflight (Jan 12, 2021)
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.

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.

Kīlauea Volcano— Ongoing Eruption; West Vent (Jan 12, 2021)
Kīlauea Volcano— Ongoing Eruption; West Vent (Jan 12, 2021)
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.
 

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 Volcano—Western fissure activity Halema'uma'u (Jan 11, 2021)
Kīlauea Volcano—Western fissure activity Halema'uma'u (Jan 11, 2021)
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. 
 

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
Crustal Overturning in Halema‘uma‘u 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.

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)
Halema‘uma‘u West Fissure Activity (Jan 8, 2021)
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.
 

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.
 

3D Model of Halema'uma'u Crater (Jan 7, 2021)
3D Model of Halema'uma'u Crater (Jan 7, 2021)
3D Model of Halema'uma'u Crater (Jan 7, 2021)

Visual photographs taken during a helicopter overflight of Halema'uma'u crater on January 7, 2021 (at Kīlauea Volcano) are used to create a 3D model of the crater. This technique is called structure-from-motion photogrammetry and uses the multiple perspectives captured in dozens of photos to reconstruct the crater shape on a computer.

Visual photographs taken during a helicopter overflight of Halema'uma'u crater on January 7, 2021 (at Kīlauea Volcano) are used to create a 3D model of the crater. This technique is called structure-from-motion photogrammetry and uses the multiple perspectives captured in dozens of photos to reconstruct the crater shape on a computer.

Halema‘uma‘u Lava Lake Aerial Views (Jan 7, 2021)
Halema‘uma‘u Lava Lake Aerial Views (Jan 7, 2021)
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.

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.

Kīlauea Volcano — Telephoto Views, Halema‘uma‘u Activity (Jan 6, 2021)
Kīlauea Volcano — Telephoto Views, Halema‘uma‘u Activity (Jan 6, 2021)
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.

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.