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

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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 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 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 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 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.

Color photograph of hornito
Tall, thin hornito on the east side of Halemaʻumaʻu
Tall, thin hornito on the east side of Halemaʻumaʻu
Tall, thin hornito on the east side of Halemaʻumaʻu

This tall, thin hornito on the eastern side of the crater floor of Halemaʻumaʻu is made up of spatter. The spatter made its way through a crack in the thick, solidified lava that forms the base of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The yellow and white patches at the bottom are from sulfur that has come out of the magma precipitating on the lava.

This tall, thin hornito on the eastern side of the crater floor of Halemaʻumaʻu is made up of spatter. The spatter made its way through a crack in the thick, solidified lava that forms the base of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The yellow and white patches at the bottom are from sulfur that has come out of the magma precipitating on the lava.

Color photograph of lava lake
A mid-morning view of the southern portion of Halema‘uma‘u
A mid-morning view of the southern portion of Halema‘uma‘u
A mid-morning view of the southern portion of Halema‘uma‘u

A mid-morning view of the southern portion of Halema‘uma‘u, as seen by field crews from the western rim. Activity within Halema‘uma‘u has remained steady over the last week. The active lake surface sits 7 meters (~23 feet) below the surface of the caldera. A small amount of spatter along the eastern margin of the lake was visible (the red glow).

A mid-morning view of the southern portion of Halema‘uma‘u, as seen by field crews from the western rim. Activity within Halema‘uma‘u has remained steady over the last week. The active lake surface sits 7 meters (~23 feet) below the surface of the caldera. A small amount of spatter along the eastern margin of the lake was visible (the red glow).

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 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 lava flows
View from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor - November 17, 2022
View from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor - November 17, 2022
View from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor - November 17, 2022

View looking to the west on the crater floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, at the summit of Kīlauea. The foreground is covered by pāhoehoe, and the brown-colored feature in the background is the island that has persisted since the December 2020 eruption within Halema‘uma‘u. USGS photo by D. Downs.

View looking to the west on the crater floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, at the summit of Kīlauea. The foreground is covered by pāhoehoe, and the brown-colored feature in the background is the island that has persisted since the December 2020 eruption within Halema‘uma‘u. USGS photo by D. Downs.

Color photograph of hornito
Colorful hornito in the eastern part of Halemaʻumaʻu
Colorful hornito in the eastern part of Halemaʻumaʻu
Colorful hornito in the eastern part of Halemaʻumaʻu

A hornito located on the eastern side of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. The colorful nature of the hornito comes from the various gases that come out of the magma and precipitate on the surrounding rock. Many of these colors are from sulfur that is abundant in Kīlauea magmas. USGS photo by D. Downs.

A hornito located on the eastern side of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor. The colorful nature of the hornito comes from the various gases that come out of the magma and precipitate on the surrounding rock. Many of these colors are from sulfur that is abundant in Kīlauea magmas. USGS photo by D. Downs.

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