Close-up view of the Puhiokalaikini entry.
Tim R. Orr
Physical volcanology and eruption dynamics of basaltic volcanoes, principally Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii, and the Bering Sea Basalt Province, Alaska. Eruptive histories and hazards of Hawaiian and Alaska volcanoes.
My position as a Research Geologist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory focuses on fundamental research on eruption and flow field processes to understand hazards better and improve forecasts, first in Hawaiʻi and now in Alaska. My work entails observing and measuring eruptive activity as part of operational monitoring and through directed field studies to analyze the data collected to gain fundamental insights into eruptive phenomena in Hawaiʻi, Alaska, and worldwide.
In addition, a fundamental part of my position is the monitoring of, and response to, volcanic unrest and eruptions. I serve as a 24/7 on-call duty scientist and duty remote sensor at AVO periodically throughout the year, and more often as needed during eruption crises, with primary responsibility for assessing volcanic activity daily and issuing hazard alerts. Because of my previous experience at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, I am also called upon to help with eruption response efforts in Hawaiʻi, when needed.
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View of Puhiokalaikini lava Entry
Close-up view of the Puhiokalaikini entry.
View of 'Ili'ili entry
Close-up view of the 'Ili'ili entry.
Close-up view of the 'Ili'ili entry.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean Entry
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, which is almost 1 km (0.6 mi) long, continues to host a medium size steam plume near the center of the delta. Hidden from view in this photograph, another small plume to the west rises from the same delta, where a stream of lava enters the ocean.
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, which is almost 1 km (0.6 mi) long, continues to host a medium size steam plume near the center of the delta. Hidden from view in this photograph, another small plume to the west rises from the same delta, where a stream of lava enters the ocean.
Distant Plume from Puhi-o-Kalaikini
The plume from the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry is easily visible from Highway 130, on the hill descending towards Kalapana. Just in front of the ocean entry plume, the houses of Kalapana Gardens subdivision can be seen on the 1990 lava flows.
The plume from the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry is easily visible from Highway 130, on the hill descending towards Kalapana. Just in front of the ocean entry plume, the houses of Kalapana Gardens subdivision can be seen on the 1990 lava flows.
Lava Burning Brush near Kalapana Gardens
Lava burns through thick brush just north of Highway 130, near Kalapana Gardens.
Lava burns through thick brush just north of Highway 130, near Kalapana Gardens.
Littoral Explosion at the Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean Entry
One of the many successive littoral explosions that occurred at the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, where lava exiting the tube enters the water. The explosions were throwing ejecta up to about 20 meters.
One of the many successive littoral explosions that occurred at the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, where lava exiting the tube enters the water. The explosions were throwing ejecta up to about 20 meters.
Breakout at the End of Highway 130
By August 17, the breakout which started on August 16 had reached the end Highway 130. The flows, however, had slowed considerably and were making little forward progress.
By August 17, the breakout which started on August 16 had reached the end Highway 130. The flows, however, had slowed considerably and were making little forward progress.
Lava Consuming Piece of Shrubbery
Lava was only slowly oozing from the edge of the flow adjacent to the road. In this photo, a piece of shrubbery is slowly consumed by the lava.
Lava was only slowly oozing from the edge of the flow adjacent to the road. In this photo, a piece of shrubbery is slowly consumed by the lava.
Not so Fumy Pu'u 'O'o
Pu'u 'O'o was not as fumy today as usual, allowing decent views of the crater floor. The Pu'u 'O'o webcam, GPS station, and other equipment are the white dots on the crater rim.
Pu'u 'O'o was not as fumy today as usual, allowing decent views of the crater floor. The Pu'u 'O'o webcam, GPS station, and other equipment are the white dots on the crater rim.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Entry Plume
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini entry continues to put up a large plume just west of Kalapana Gardens. No active lava flows have been reported on coastal flats in nearly 2 weeks.
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini entry continues to put up a large plume just west of Kalapana Gardens. No active lava flows have been reported on coastal flats in nearly 2 weeks.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Western Entry
The small western entry point at Puhi-o-Kalaikini stopped this week, leaving just main entry point at the central tip of the delta. The delta is now 985 m (3230 ft) long and reaches up to about 170 m (560 ft) out into the ocean from the old sea cliff. It has a surface area of 28 acres.
The small western entry point at Puhi-o-Kalaikini stopped this week, leaving just main entry point at the central tip of the delta. The delta is now 985 m (3230 ft) long and reaches up to about 170 m (560 ft) out into the ocean from the old sea cliff. It has a surface area of 28 acres.
Halema'uma'u Vent Gas Plume
The largely crusted surface of the lava lake in the Halema'uma'u vent slowly moves from north (top of the photo) to south. During high lava stands, like that shown here, this circulation is so slow as to be nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.
The largely crusted surface of the lava lake in the Halema'uma'u vent slowly moves from north (top of the photo) to south. During high lava stands, like that shown here, this circulation is so slow as to be nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.
Halema'uma'u Vent Gas Plume
Kilauea's active summit vent is on the southeast side of Halema'uma'u Crater. In this photo, the floor of Halema'uma'u stretches out beyond the vent, and the summit of Kilauea Volcano is at upper right. The observation tower at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the highest bump in the photo at Kilauea's summit.
Kilauea's active summit vent is on the southeast side of Halema'uma'u Crater. In this photo, the floor of Halema'uma'u stretches out beyond the vent, and the summit of Kilauea Volcano is at upper right. The observation tower at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the highest bump in the photo at Kilauea's summit.
Halema'uma'u Vent Gas Plume
Over the past several days, the lava surface within the vent in Halema'uma'u has occasionally, and temporarily, reached to within about 115 m (375 ft) below the floor of Halema'uma'u Crater, as seen in this photo. During these high-lava stands, the gas plume is generally fairly wispy, providing the rare naked-eye view of the lava surface.
Over the past several days, the lava surface within the vent in Halema'uma'u has occasionally, and temporarily, reached to within about 115 m (375 ft) below the floor of Halema'uma'u Crater, as seen in this photo. During these high-lava stands, the gas plume is generally fairly wispy, providing the rare naked-eye view of the lava surface.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean Entry Steam Plume
A wide shot of the coastal plain showing the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry in the foreground, producing a medium size steam plume. Fuming areas on the hillside mark the trace of the current lava tube, which confines the lava until it ultimately reaches the ocean. The road that abruptly ends is Highway 130, which currently hosts the County viewing area.
A wide shot of the coastal plain showing the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry in the foreground, producing a medium size steam plume. Fuming areas on the hillside mark the trace of the current lava tube, which confines the lava until it ultimately reaches the ocean. The road that abruptly ends is Highway 130, which currently hosts the County viewing area.
Halema'uma'u Maintains Basic Geometry
The lava lake at Halema'uma'u has maintained the same basic geometry since February of this year. This thermal image was taken during a helicopter overflight, and shows the lava surface deep within the vent cavity. The lava surface is kidney-shaped and approximately 60 x 90 meters in size, and situated about 170 meters below the rim of the vent cavity.
The lava lake at Halema'uma'u has maintained the same basic geometry since February of this year. This thermal image was taken during a helicopter overflight, and shows the lava surface deep within the vent cavity. The lava surface is kidney-shaped and approximately 60 x 90 meters in size, and situated about 170 meters below the rim of the vent cavity.
Panorama of Pu'u 'O 'o Crater
Panorama of Pu'u 'O 'o crater from the south rim of Pu'u 'O 'o cone. Active lava flows (light gray) cover much of the crater floor and are erupting from the degassing vent at the far left.
Panorama of Pu'u 'O 'o crater from the south rim of Pu'u 'O 'o cone. Active lava flows (light gray) cover much of the crater floor and are erupting from the degassing vent at the far left.
Lava Tube Skylight
A close-up view of the lava stream as seen through a lava tube skylight near the top of the Pulama pali. The lava is moving from right to left, and skylight opening is about 1 m (3 ft) across.
A close-up view of the lava stream as seen through a lava tube skylight near the top of the Pulama pali. The lava is moving from right to left, and skylight opening is about 1 m (3 ft) across.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean Entry
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry and delta. The light colored lava on the delta behind the plume is from recent surface flows.
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry and delta. The light colored lava on the delta behind the plume is from recent surface flows.
Flow Field Above the Pulama Pali
View of the flow field above the Pulama pali.
View of the flow field above the Pulama pali.
Erupting Vent in Pu'u 'O 'o Crater
Close-up view of the erupting vent in Pu'u 'O 'o crater. Lava is not visible because it is going directly into tubes beneath the crusted surface to the right and feeding small lava flows near the flow front.
Close-up view of the erupting vent in Pu'u 'O 'o crater. Lava is not visible because it is going directly into tubes beneath the crusted surface to the right and feeding small lava flows near the flow front.
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View of Puhiokalaikini lava Entry
Close-up view of the Puhiokalaikini entry.
Close-up view of the Puhiokalaikini entry.
View of 'Ili'ili entryClose-up view of the 'Ili'ili entry.
Close-up view of the 'Ili'ili entry.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean EntryThe Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, which is almost 1 km (0.6 mi) long, continues to host a medium size steam plume near the center of the delta. Hidden from view in this photograph, another small plume to the west rises from the same delta, where a stream of lava enters the ocean.
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, which is almost 1 km (0.6 mi) long, continues to host a medium size steam plume near the center of the delta. Hidden from view in this photograph, another small plume to the west rises from the same delta, where a stream of lava enters the ocean.
Distant Plume from Puhi-o-KalaikiniThe plume from the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry is easily visible from Highway 130, on the hill descending towards Kalapana. Just in front of the ocean entry plume, the houses of Kalapana Gardens subdivision can be seen on the 1990 lava flows.
The plume from the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry is easily visible from Highway 130, on the hill descending towards Kalapana. Just in front of the ocean entry plume, the houses of Kalapana Gardens subdivision can be seen on the 1990 lava flows.
Lava Burning Brush near Kalapana GardensLava burns through thick brush just north of Highway 130, near Kalapana Gardens.
Lava burns through thick brush just north of Highway 130, near Kalapana Gardens.
Littoral Explosion at the Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean EntryOne of the many successive littoral explosions that occurred at the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, where lava exiting the tube enters the water. The explosions were throwing ejecta up to about 20 meters.
One of the many successive littoral explosions that occurred at the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry, where lava exiting the tube enters the water. The explosions were throwing ejecta up to about 20 meters.
Breakout at the End of Highway 130By August 17, the breakout which started on August 16 had reached the end Highway 130. The flows, however, had slowed considerably and were making little forward progress.
By August 17, the breakout which started on August 16 had reached the end Highway 130. The flows, however, had slowed considerably and were making little forward progress.
Lava Consuming Piece of ShrubberyLava was only slowly oozing from the edge of the flow adjacent to the road. In this photo, a piece of shrubbery is slowly consumed by the lava.
Lava was only slowly oozing from the edge of the flow adjacent to the road. In this photo, a piece of shrubbery is slowly consumed by the lava.
Not so Fumy Pu'u 'O'oPu'u 'O'o was not as fumy today as usual, allowing decent views of the crater floor. The Pu'u 'O'o webcam, GPS station, and other equipment are the white dots on the crater rim.
Pu'u 'O'o was not as fumy today as usual, allowing decent views of the crater floor. The Pu'u 'O'o webcam, GPS station, and other equipment are the white dots on the crater rim.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Entry PlumeThe Puhi-o-Kalaikini entry continues to put up a large plume just west of Kalapana Gardens. No active lava flows have been reported on coastal flats in nearly 2 weeks.
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini entry continues to put up a large plume just west of Kalapana Gardens. No active lava flows have been reported on coastal flats in nearly 2 weeks.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Western EntryThe small western entry point at Puhi-o-Kalaikini stopped this week, leaving just main entry point at the central tip of the delta. The delta is now 985 m (3230 ft) long and reaches up to about 170 m (560 ft) out into the ocean from the old sea cliff. It has a surface area of 28 acres.
The small western entry point at Puhi-o-Kalaikini stopped this week, leaving just main entry point at the central tip of the delta. The delta is now 985 m (3230 ft) long and reaches up to about 170 m (560 ft) out into the ocean from the old sea cliff. It has a surface area of 28 acres.
Halema'uma'u Vent Gas PlumeThe largely crusted surface of the lava lake in the Halema'uma'u vent slowly moves from north (top of the photo) to south. During high lava stands, like that shown here, this circulation is so slow as to be nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.
The largely crusted surface of the lava lake in the Halema'uma'u vent slowly moves from north (top of the photo) to south. During high lava stands, like that shown here, this circulation is so slow as to be nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.
Halema'uma'u Vent Gas PlumeKilauea's active summit vent is on the southeast side of Halema'uma'u Crater. In this photo, the floor of Halema'uma'u stretches out beyond the vent, and the summit of Kilauea Volcano is at upper right. The observation tower at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the highest bump in the photo at Kilauea's summit.
Kilauea's active summit vent is on the southeast side of Halema'uma'u Crater. In this photo, the floor of Halema'uma'u stretches out beyond the vent, and the summit of Kilauea Volcano is at upper right. The observation tower at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is the highest bump in the photo at Kilauea's summit.
Halema'uma'u Vent Gas PlumeOver the past several days, the lava surface within the vent in Halema'uma'u has occasionally, and temporarily, reached to within about 115 m (375 ft) below the floor of Halema'uma'u Crater, as seen in this photo. During these high-lava stands, the gas plume is generally fairly wispy, providing the rare naked-eye view of the lava surface.
Over the past several days, the lava surface within the vent in Halema'uma'u has occasionally, and temporarily, reached to within about 115 m (375 ft) below the floor of Halema'uma'u Crater, as seen in this photo. During these high-lava stands, the gas plume is generally fairly wispy, providing the rare naked-eye view of the lava surface.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean Entry Steam PlumeA wide shot of the coastal plain showing the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry in the foreground, producing a medium size steam plume. Fuming areas on the hillside mark the trace of the current lava tube, which confines the lava until it ultimately reaches the ocean. The road that abruptly ends is Highway 130, which currently hosts the County viewing area.
A wide shot of the coastal plain showing the Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry in the foreground, producing a medium size steam plume. Fuming areas on the hillside mark the trace of the current lava tube, which confines the lava until it ultimately reaches the ocean. The road that abruptly ends is Highway 130, which currently hosts the County viewing area.
Halema'uma'u Maintains Basic GeometryThe lava lake at Halema'uma'u has maintained the same basic geometry since February of this year. This thermal image was taken during a helicopter overflight, and shows the lava surface deep within the vent cavity. The lava surface is kidney-shaped and approximately 60 x 90 meters in size, and situated about 170 meters below the rim of the vent cavity.
The lava lake at Halema'uma'u has maintained the same basic geometry since February of this year. This thermal image was taken during a helicopter overflight, and shows the lava surface deep within the vent cavity. The lava surface is kidney-shaped and approximately 60 x 90 meters in size, and situated about 170 meters below the rim of the vent cavity.
Panorama of Pu'u 'O 'o CraterPanorama of Pu'u 'O 'o crater from the south rim of Pu'u 'O 'o cone. Active lava flows (light gray) cover much of the crater floor and are erupting from the degassing vent at the far left.
Panorama of Pu'u 'O 'o crater from the south rim of Pu'u 'O 'o cone. Active lava flows (light gray) cover much of the crater floor and are erupting from the degassing vent at the far left.
Lava Tube SkylightA close-up view of the lava stream as seen through a lava tube skylight near the top of the Pulama pali. The lava is moving from right to left, and skylight opening is about 1 m (3 ft) across.
A close-up view of the lava stream as seen through a lava tube skylight near the top of the Pulama pali. The lava is moving from right to left, and skylight opening is about 1 m (3 ft) across.
Puhi-o-Kalaikini Ocean EntryThe Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry and delta. The light colored lava on the delta behind the plume is from recent surface flows.
The Puhi-o-Kalaikini ocean entry and delta. The light colored lava on the delta behind the plume is from recent surface flows.
Flow Field Above the Pulama PaliView of the flow field above the Pulama pali.
View of the flow field above the Pulama pali.
Erupting Vent in Pu'u 'O 'o CraterClose-up view of the erupting vent in Pu'u 'O 'o crater. Lava is not visible because it is going directly into tubes beneath the crusted surface to the right and feeding small lava flows near the flow front.
Close-up view of the erupting vent in Pu'u 'O 'o crater. Lava is not visible because it is going directly into tubes beneath the crusted surface to the right and feeding small lava flows near the flow front.
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