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

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a lava lake showing bright orange spots surrounded by black punctuated by orange glowing cracks
Fountains in Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit
Fountains in Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit
Fountains in Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit

View of eastern half of lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit, in the early morning of January 6, 2023. In this view looking north, four active lava fountains are visible, three in the center of the photo and one in the middle right (smaller).

View of eastern half of lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit, in the early morning of January 6, 2023. In this view looking north, four active lava fountains are visible, three in the center of the photo and one in the middle right (smaller).

sunrise image of Kilauea caldera with lava
Sunrise overflight at 6:45 a.m. HST shows the Kilauea eruption
Sunrise overflight at 6:45 a.m. HST shows the Kilauea eruption
Sunrise overflight at 6:45 a.m. HST shows the Kilauea eruption

Kīlauea summit morning monitoring overflight on January 6, 2023 at 6:45 a.m. HST captures this aerial view of the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The eruption is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater in the summit caldera. Lava flows have inundated much of the crater floor (which is nearly 300 acres or 120 hectares).

Kīlauea summit morning monitoring overflight on January 6, 2023 at 6:45 a.m. HST captures this aerial view of the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater. The eruption is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater in the summit caldera. Lava flows have inundated much of the crater floor (which is nearly 300 acres or 120 hectares).

red orange colored fountain of lava against black background
Halema‘uma‘u lava fountain on lava lake surface
Halema‘uma‘u lava fountain on lava lake surface
Halema‘uma‘u lava fountain on lava lake surface

This image, taken early on January 6th, shows a lava fountain on the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u. Numerous areas of upwelling, like the one pictured here, are actively feeding the lava lake and re-surfacing material that was emplaced from activity in 2022. This fountain measured 16-33 feet in height (5-10 meters). 

This image, taken early on January 6th, shows a lava fountain on the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u. Numerous areas of upwelling, like the one pictured here, are actively feeding the lava lake and re-surfacing material that was emplaced from activity in 2022. This fountain measured 16-33 feet in height (5-10 meters). 

person looking through scope toward orange glow of lava lake with a black background
Scientists observe new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea summit
Scientists observe new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea summit
Scientists observe new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea summit

During an overnight field shift on January 6, 2023, a USGS geologist takes rangefinder measurements to gather information about lava lake levels and fountain dimensions within the newly erupting Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

During an overnight field shift on January 6, 2023, a USGS geologist takes rangefinder measurements to gather information about lava lake levels and fountain dimensions within the newly erupting Halema‘uma‘u Crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Color photograph of eruption in crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater

On January 5, 2023, HVO’s KW webcam captured dramatic bursts of lava from a new vent that opened in Halemaʻumaʻu crater and a wave of lava that moved out onto the crater floor. USGS webcam image. 

Color photograph of volcanic vent opening
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023
HVO’s B1cam captures the opening moments of the afternoon eruption at Kīlauea Volcano on January 5, 2023

During the early morning hours of January 5, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists were closely monitoring an increase in earthquake activity and changes in the patterns of ground deformation at Kīlauea’s summit, indicating movement of magma in the subsurface.

Color image of lava fountain
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater
KWcam at Kīlauea's summit captures lava fountain within Halemaʻumaʻu crater

This video, captured by the KWcam, shows a large burst of lava from the newly opened vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano at approximately 4:49 pm HST on January 5, 2023. This burst reached up to 50 meters (164 feet) high and sent a wave of lava across the crater floor.

This video, captured by the KWcam, shows a large burst of lava from the newly opened vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea volcano at approximately 4:49 pm HST on January 5, 2023. This burst reached up to 50 meters (164 feet) high and sent a wave of lava across the crater floor.

person standing on edge of open crater with three cameras. orange lava erupting and flowing into crater.
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
HVO scientist views new eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist documents the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption began just after 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023, and remains confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by D. Downs.

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist documents the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption began just after 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023, and remains confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by D. Downs.

landscape with a crater showing orange lava erupting into it and filling bottom of crater floor.
First views of the January 5, 2023 eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
First views of the January 5, 2023 eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater
First views of the January 5, 2023 eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater

A new eruption began within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea just after 4:30 p.m. HST on January 5, 2023. Around 5:45 p.m. on the same day, an additional vent began erupting lava on the floor of the crater. The newer vent is located farther away in this image. USGS image by D. Downs.

A new eruption began within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea just after 4:30 p.m. HST on January 5, 2023. Around 5:45 p.m. on the same day, an additional vent began erupting lava on the floor of the crater. The newer vent is located farther away in this image. USGS image by D. Downs.

person standing next to deep crater next to camera tripod
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam
Upgrade to Kīlauea summit webcam

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Two images showing poorer and better resolution images of deep crater with blue sky and clouds above.
Images comparing old and new Kīlauea summit webcam
Images comparing old and new Kīlauea summit webcam
Images comparing old and new Kīlauea summit webcam

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of crater floor
December 10, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit
December 10, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit
December 10, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit

Geologists conducted a monitoring overflight of Kīlauea summit on the morning of December 10, 2022. They noted that the lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater was mostly solidified, though incandescence was visible. USGS image by J. Bard. 

Geologists conducted a monitoring overflight of Kīlauea summit on the morning of December 10, 2022. They noted that the lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater was mostly solidified, though incandescence was visible. USGS image by J. Bard. 

Color photograph of scientists installing experiment in downwind of a volcano
Metal coupons being installed downwind of Kīlauea
Metal coupons being installed downwind of Kīlauea
Metal coupons being installed downwind of Kīlauea

Scientists with USGS and GNS Science install coupons at DESD seismic station, 9 December 2022. Photo by Carol Stewart (Massey University).

Scientists with USGS and GNS Science install coupons at DESD seismic station, 9 December 2022. Photo by Carol Stewart (Massey University).

Bright light on the left side. Volcano lava at night from a satellite image
Landsat 9 Captures Mauna Loa and Kilauea Eruption
Landsat 9 Captures Mauna Loa and Kilauea Eruption
Landsat 9 Captures Mauna Loa and Kilauea Eruption

Rare spotting! Dueling volcanoes captured by Landsat 9 satellite. Mauna Loa's 11.3-mile-long lava flow illuminates the plume of ash in the atmosphere above. The small red spot in the lower right is Kilauea—it began erupting nine days ago. USGS Volcanoes says a dual eruption has not occurred in Hawaii since 1984, making this a rare event.

Rare spotting! Dueling volcanoes captured by Landsat 9 satellite. Mauna Loa's 11.3-mile-long lava flow illuminates the plume of ash in the atmosphere above. The small red spot in the lower right is Kilauea—it began erupting nine days ago. USGS Volcanoes says a dual eruption has not occurred in Hawaii since 1984, making this a rare event.

Color map of eruption at summit of volcano
November 25, 2022—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
November 25, 2022—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
November 25, 2022—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on November 25, 2022. One eruptive vent (orange) is active within Halema‘uma‘u, on the western side of the crater floor. An adjacent pond (purple) is feeding lava to a larger lake (red) via a crusted-over tube.

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on November 25, 2022. One eruptive vent (orange) is active within Halema‘uma‘u, on the western side of the crater floor. An adjacent pond (purple) is feeding lava to a larger lake (red) via a crusted-over tube.

Color map of lava lake temperature
November 23, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
November 23, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
November 23, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) flights on November 23, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) flights on November 23, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Color photograph of lava lake
November 23, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption
November 23, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption
November 23, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption

A telephoto view of the west vent area within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. This photo was taken the morning of November 23, 2022, at a moment when red molten material was visible in the inlet north of the west vent, which feeds into the lava lake. Incandescent material is intermittently visible in the inlet. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

A telephoto view of the west vent area within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. This photo was taken the morning of November 23, 2022, at a moment when red molten material was visible in the inlet north of the west vent, which feeds into the lava lake. Incandescent material is intermittently visible in the inlet. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color map of lava lake temperature
November 23, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
November 23, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
November 23, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) flights on November 23, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) flights on November 23, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Color photograph of lava lake
November 23, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption
November 23, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption
November 23, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption

A telephoto view of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning on November 23, 2022, taken from the west rim and looking east. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

A telephoto view of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning on November 23, 2022, taken from the west rim and looking east. USGS photo by K. Mulliken.

Color map of lava lake temperature
November 17, 2022—Kīlauea summit thermal map
November 17, 2022—Kīlauea summit thermal map
November 17, 2022—Kīlauea summit thermal map

A helicopter overflight on November 17, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

A helicopter overflight on November 17, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Color photograph of crater erupting
Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano, from overlook near Keanakāko‘i Crater - November 17 2022
Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano, from overlook near Keanakāko‘i Crater - November 17 2022
Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea volcano, from overlook near Keanakāko‘i Crater - November 17 2022

View looking west of Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea volcano the morning of November 17, 2022. This photo is taken from the overlook near Keanakāko‘i Crater, which is publicly accessible. Lava is visible in the center of the photo, to the left of the top of the shrub in the foreground.

View looking west of Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea volcano the morning of November 17, 2022. This photo is taken from the overlook near Keanakāko‘i Crater, which is publicly accessible. Lava is visible in the center of the photo, to the left of the top of the shrub in the foreground.

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