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Kīlauea images of eruptive activity, field work, and more.

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Color image of glow from eruption in night sky
June 3, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 3, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 3, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption

Early morning glow of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. This image was taken at 4:27 a.m. HST looking southeast toward the eruptive fissures. USGS image by H Winslow.

Early morning glow of the eruption southwest of Kīlauea summit on June 3, 2024. This image was taken at 4:27 a.m. HST looking southeast toward the eruptive fissures. USGS image by H Winslow.

orange glow of lava from Kīlauea seen in the dark
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House. 

Color photograph of eruption glow at night and the silhouette of trees in the foreground
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024

Kīlauea's eruption plume illuminated during the early morning hours of June 3, 2024, visible from the Volcano Golf Course area. USGS image by D.A. Phillips. 

Kīlauea's eruption plume illuminated during the early morning hours of June 3, 2024, visible from the Volcano Golf Course area. USGS image by D.A. Phillips. 

Color photograph of eruption plume and stars
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024

By approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024, the glow from the eruption that started just hours prior at Kīlauea had significantly decreased. USGS image by D. Downs. 

By approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024, the glow from the eruption that started just hours prior at Kīlauea had significantly decreased. USGS image by D. Downs. 

Map showing the location of eruptive fissures
June 3, 2024 —Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption reference map
June 3, 2024 —Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption reference map
June 3, 2024 —Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption reference map

This reference map depicts the approximate location of fissure vents that began erupting from Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone at approximately 12:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024. The most recent eruption in this region was during December 1974, which lasted only about 6 hours. At this time, it is not possible to say how long the eruption will last. 

This reference map depicts the approximate location of fissure vents that began erupting from Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone at approximately 12:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024. The most recent eruption in this region was during December 1974, which lasted only about 6 hours. At this time, it is not possible to say how long the eruption will last. 

A shiny black lava flow is bordered by angular, frothy fragments of glassy rock scattered over a gravelly landscape
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024

Frothy, glassy fragments of lava from the fountains of Kīlauea's June 3 eruption fissures were found scattered around newly-erupted lava flows. These tephra contain valuable geochemical information about the magma which fueled the eruption. USGS image by D. Downs. 

Map showing the location of eruptive fissures and the extent of lava flows in Kilauea's Southwest Rift Zone
June 3, 2024 —Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption reference map, updated as of 10PM HST
June 3, 2024 —Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption reference map, updated as of 10PM HST
June 3, 2024 —Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption reference map, updated as of 10PM HST

A new eruption began along Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone on June 3, 2024, and this map depicts activity on the eruption's first day. New lava flows are shown in red, only covering about 88 acres (36 hectares) of ground within relatively short distances of the eruptive fissures.

Color photograph of inactive volcanic vent and lava flows at base of crater
May 10, 2024 — Features from the June 2023 eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
May 10, 2024 — Features from the June 2023 eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
May 10, 2024 — Features from the June 2023 eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

A close up of the cone that formed in the June 2023 eruption, at the southwest end of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava from the vent poured into a ponded region, which later drained as the eruption waned. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

A close up of the cone that formed in the June 2023 eruption, at the southwest end of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. Lava from the vent poured into a ponded region, which later drained as the eruption waned. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of scientist measuring gravity on volcano
May 8, 2024 — Kīlauea gravity survey
May 8, 2024 — Kīlauea gravity survey
May 8, 2024 — Kīlauea gravity survey

An HVO scientist takes gravity measurements at a benchmark near a crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The gravimeter is the small, shoebox-sized instrument, which can measure a change in the force of gravity to one-in-one billionth of the force you feel every day. USGS photo by A. Ellis.

An HVO scientist takes gravity measurements at a benchmark near a crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The gravimeter is the small, shoebox-sized instrument, which can measure a change in the force of gravity to one-in-one billionth of the force you feel every day. USGS photo by A. Ellis.

Color map showing earthquake locations and ground deformation at volcano
May 5, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during Kīlauea upper East Rift Zone swarm
May 5, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during Kīlauea upper East Rift Zone swarm
May 5, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during Kīlauea upper East Rift Zone swarm

This map shows recent deformation at Kīlauea from April 19 to May 5, 2024, as recorded by the Italian Space Agency's (AGI) Cosmo-SkyMED satellite. Colored fringes denote areas of ground deformation, with more fringes indicating more deformation.  Each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of ground motion indicative of inflation as the magma reservoi

This map shows recent deformation at Kīlauea from April 19 to May 5, 2024, as recorded by the Italian Space Agency's (AGI) Cosmo-SkyMED satellite. Colored fringes denote areas of ground deformation, with more fringes indicating more deformation.  Each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of ground motion indicative of inflation as the magma reservoi

Map of earthquake locations on volcano
May 2, 2024—Summary map of recent unrest at Kīlauea volcano
May 2, 2024—Summary map of recent unrest at Kīlauea volcano
May 2, 2024—Summary map of recent unrest at Kīlauea volcano

This map depicts recent unrest at Kīlauea. Yellow circles mark the locations of approximately 1,600 earthquakes that have occurred between April 27 and May 2, 2024. Most earthquakes have been smaller than magnitude-2, with locations clustering in an area known as the upper East Rift Zone or East Rift connector.

This map depicts recent unrest at Kīlauea. Yellow circles mark the locations of approximately 1,600 earthquakes that have occurred between April 27 and May 2, 2024. Most earthquakes have been smaller than magnitude-2, with locations clustering in an area known as the upper East Rift Zone or East Rift connector.

Color photograph of inactive volcanic vent in crater
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera

This photo shows the southwest portion of Kaluapele (Kīlauea's summit caldera). In the lower right corner of the image is the cone formed during the June 2023 eruption. This cone hosted impressive lava fountaining that supplied lava through a narrow channel into the lava pond in the lower left portion of the image. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

This photo shows the southwest portion of Kaluapele (Kīlauea's summit caldera). In the lower right corner of the image is the cone formed during the June 2023 eruption. This cone hosted impressive lava fountaining that supplied lava through a narrow channel into the lava pond in the lower left portion of the image. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of volcanic crater
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera

Despite a significant increase in small earthquakes at the summit and upper East Rift Zone in recent days, activity at the surface was quiet On May 1, 2024. This photo shows the floor of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, which last erupted in September 2023.

Despite a significant increase in small earthquakes at the summit and upper East Rift Zone in recent days, activity at the surface was quiet On May 1, 2024. This photo shows the floor of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, which last erupted in September 2023.

Color photograph of livestream camera monitoring volcano
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera

The V1cam webcam, which provides the livestream at the summit of Kīlauea, is a pan-tilt-zoom model that allows HVO staff to adjust the view remotely based on changes in activity in the caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The V1cam webcam, which provides the livestream at the summit of Kīlauea, is a pan-tilt-zoom model that allows HVO staff to adjust the view remotely based on changes in activity in the caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of field engineer servicing webcam on edge of caldera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera
May 1, 2024 — Maintenance on Kīlauea summit livestream camera

HVO staff performed some routine maintenance on the V1cam at Kīlauea summit. This webcam provides the livestream that operates 24/7, and has helped track recent eruptions in the summit caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

HVO staff performed some routine maintenance on the V1cam at Kīlauea summit. This webcam provides the livestream that operates 24/7, and has helped track recent eruptions in the summit caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color image of scientist next to survey equipment and truck
HVO scientist setting up temporary GPS equipment
HVO scientist setting up temporary GPS equipment
HVO scientist setting up temporary GPS equipment

HVO scientist setting up temporary GPS equipment south of Kaluapele (the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano).The long profile of Mauna Loa volcano is prominent in the background. USGS image by D.A. Phillips.

HVO scientist setting up temporary GPS equipment south of Kaluapele (the summit caldera of Kīlauea volcano).The long profile of Mauna Loa volcano is prominent in the background. USGS image by D.A. Phillips.

Color photograph of scientists examining a map in the field
Petrologists visit the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea
Petrologists visit the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea
Petrologists visit the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea

Participants of the May 2024 Kīlauea petrology workshop discuss the local geology near lava flows that erupted during the lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea in 2018. USGS photo by A. Lerner. 

Participants of the May 2024 Kīlauea petrology workshop discuss the local geology near lava flows that erupted during the lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea in 2018. USGS photo by A. Lerner. 

Color photograph of scientists observing a geologic outcrop
Scientists visit an outcrop of Kapoho cone
Scientists visit an outcrop of Kapoho cone
Scientists visit an outcrop of Kapoho cone

Participants of the May 2024 Kīlauea petrology workshop observe an outcrop of tephra near Kapoho cone, located on the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. Tephra is a word that describes volcanic particles that are ejected out of an erupting vent, which travel through the air before being deposited on the ground. USGS photo by A. Lerner. 

Participants of the May 2024 Kīlauea petrology workshop observe an outcrop of tephra near Kapoho cone, located on the lower East Rift Zone of Kīlauea. Tephra is a word that describes volcanic particles that are ejected out of an erupting vent, which travel through the air before being deposited on the ground. USGS photo by A. Lerner. 

Color photograph of scientists in a lava tube
Scientists explore Kaumana Caves State Park
Scientists explore Kaumana Caves State Park
Scientists explore Kaumana Caves State Park

Participants of the May 2024 Kīlauea petrology workshop, hosted in Hilo, visited the Kaumana Caves State Park during one of their field trips. The lava tubes at Kaumana Caves State Park formed during the 1880-1881 eruption of Mauna Loa, which occurred on the Northeast Rift Zone.

Participants of the May 2024 Kīlauea petrology workshop, hosted in Hilo, visited the Kaumana Caves State Park during one of their field trips. The lava tubes at Kaumana Caves State Park formed during the 1880-1881 eruption of Mauna Loa, which occurred on the Northeast Rift Zone.

Color map of deformation and earthquakes at summit of volcano
April 27, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during early Kīlauea upper East Rift Zone swarm
April 27, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during early Kīlauea upper East Rift Zone swarm
April 27, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during early Kīlauea upper East Rift Zone swarm

This map shows recent deformation at Kīlauea volcano, from April 5 to April 27, 2024, as recorded by the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) TerraSAR-X satellite.  This interferogram spans the beginning of the recent swarm under the upper East Rift Zone.  White circles mark the locations of earthquakes during that time, as recorded by HVO seismometers.

This map shows recent deformation at Kīlauea volcano, from April 5 to April 27, 2024, as recorded by the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) TerraSAR-X satellite.  This interferogram spans the beginning of the recent swarm under the upper East Rift Zone.  White circles mark the locations of earthquakes during that time, as recorded by HVO seismometers.

Color map of seismic project deployments
Distribution of HVO permanent and survey seismic stations
Distribution of HVO permanent and survey seismic stations
Distribution of HVO permanent and survey seismic stations

Distribution of permanent seismic stations and previously deployed seismic nodes in southern half of the Island of Hawai‘i. Shaded regions display the total footprint that nodal deployments this spring and summer will occupy. 

Distribution of permanent seismic stations and previously deployed seismic nodes in southern half of the Island of Hawai‘i. Shaded regions display the total footprint that nodal deployments this spring and summer will occupy. 

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