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Videos

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

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Aerial of eddy in channel near vent D
Aerial of eddy in channel near vent D
Aerial of eddy in channel near vent D

Aerial of eddy in channel near vent D

Looking down the channel of Fissure D
Looking down the channel of Fissure D
Looking down the channel of Fissure D

Looking down the channel of Fissure D

Collapse and refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater
Collapse and refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater
Collapse and refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater

(June 10 to July 25, 2007) During June 17–19, 2007, an intrusion into Kīlauea's upper east rift zone (Episode 56) led to the cessation of eruptive activity at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and the collapse of the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor (Poland and others, 2008).

(June 10 to July 25, 2007) During June 17–19, 2007, an intrusion into Kīlauea's upper east rift zone (Episode 56) led to the cessation of eruptive activity at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō and the collapse of the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater floor (Poland and others, 2008).

Refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater
Refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater
Refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater

(July 13, 2007, 14:00:30 to 21:00:36) Episode 57 was driven by the eruption of lava from two vents—one on the west-central part of the crater floor and the other on the eastern side of the crater.

(July 13, 2007, 14:00:30 to 21:00:36) Episode 57 was driven by the eruption of lava from two vents—one on the west-central part of the crater floor and the other on the eastern side of the crater.

video thumbnail: Refilling of Pu'u 'O'o Crater (July 13, 2007) Refilling of Pu'u 'O'o Crater (July 13, 2007)
Refilling of Pu'u 'O'o Crater (July 13, 2007)
Refilling of Pu'u 'O'o Crater (July 13, 2007)

On June 17-19, 2007, and intrusion into Kilauea's upper east rift zone led to the cessation of eruptive activity at Pu'u 'O'o and the collapse of the Pu'u 'O'o crater floor.

On June 17-19, 2007, and intrusion into Kilauea's upper east rift zone led to the cessation of eruptive activity at Pu'u 'O'o and the collapse of the Pu'u 'O'o crater floor.

Refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater
Refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater
Refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater

The refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō during Episode 57 was driven by the eruption of lava from two vents—one on the west-central part of the crater floor (to the right) and the other on the eastern side of the crater (to the left). This movie shows the competing interaction between flows from these two vents for a period of several hours on July 8.

The refilling of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō during Episode 57 was driven by the eruption of lava from two vents—one on the west-central part of the crater floor (to the right) and the other on the eastern side of the crater (to the left). This movie shows the competing interaction between flows from these two vents for a period of several hours on July 8.

video thumbnail: Refilling of Pu'u 'O'o Crater (July 8, 2007) Refilling of Pu'u 'O'o Crater (July 8, 2007)
Refilling of Pu'u 'O'o Crater (July 8, 2007)
Refilling of Pu'u 'O'o Crater (July 8, 2007)

On June 17-19, 2007, and intrusion into Kilauea's upper east rift zone led to the cessation of eruptive activity at Pu'u 'O'o and the collapse of the Pu'u 'O'o crater floor.

On June 17-19, 2007, and intrusion into Kilauea's upper east rift zone led to the cessation of eruptive activity at Pu'u 'O'o and the collapse of the Pu'u 'O'o crater floor.

Lava lake draining event during Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō refilling
Lava lake draining event during Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō refilling
Lava lake draining event during Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō refilling

(July 5, 2007, 23:00:06 to July 6, 2007, 09:00:06) With the resumption of eruptive activity at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on July 1, 2007 (Episode 57), a lava lake, fed by two vents, quickly began to form within the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater. The vent seen here was located on the eastern side of the crater.

(July 5, 2007, 23:00:06 to July 6, 2007, 09:00:06) With the resumption of eruptive activity at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on July 1, 2007 (Episode 57), a lava lake, fed by two vents, quickly began to form within the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō crater. The vent seen here was located on the eastern side of the crater.

Long-term Change at MLK Vent
Long-term Change at MLK Vent
Long-term Change at MLK Vent

(April 2, 2004, to October 28, 2006) A time-lapse camera was poised on the southwestern flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō cone from early 2004 through mid-2007.

(April 2, 2004, to October 28, 2006) A time-lapse camera was poised on the southwestern flank of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō cone from early 2004 through mid-2007.

East Lae‘apuki shatter ring
East Lae‘apuki shatter ring
East Lae‘apuki shatter ring

October 16 , 2006, 06:20:23 to 08:00:22) This is another movie showing a shatter ring in action (see "Shatter ring on the PKK lava tube", 03-20-06).

October 16 , 2006, 06:20:23 to 08:00:22) This is another movie showing a shatter ring in action (see "Shatter ring on the PKK lava tube", 03-20-06).

video thumbnail: East Lae'apuki Shatter Ring (October 16, 2006) East Lae'apuki Shatter Ring (October 16, 2006)
East Lae'apuki Shatter Ring (October 16, 2006)
East Lae'apuki Shatter Ring (October 16, 2006)

The lava-tube feature seen here is called a shatter ring. Shatter rings are circular to elliptical volcanic features, typically tens of meters (yards) in diameter, which form over active lava tubes. They are typified by an upraised rim of blocky rubble and a central depression.

The lava-tube feature seen here is called a shatter ring. Shatter rings are circular to elliptical volcanic features, typically tens of meters (yards) in diameter, which form over active lava tubes. They are typified by an upraised rim of blocky rubble and a central depression.

Lava breakout from the PKK lava tube at East Lae‘apuki
Lava breakout from the PKK lava tube at East Lae‘apuki
Lava breakout from the PKK lava tube at East Lae‘apuki

(Sept 21, 2006, 18:00:02 to 00:00:05) Between the morning of September 20 and the evening of September 22, 2006, there were 10 separate breakouts from the PKK lava tube. Each originated about 50 meters inland from the older sea cliff bounding the inboard edge of the East Lae‘apuki lava delta.

(Sept 21, 2006, 18:00:02 to 00:00:05) Between the morning of September 20 and the evening of September 22, 2006, there were 10 separate breakouts from the PKK lava tube. Each originated about 50 meters inland from the older sea cliff bounding the inboard edge of the East Lae‘apuki lava delta.

video thumbnail: East Lae'apuki Lava Breakout (September 21, 2006) East Lae'apuki Lava Breakout (September 21, 2006)
East Lae'apuki Lava Breakout (September 21, 2006)
East Lae'apuki Lava Breakout (September 21, 2006)

Between the morning of September 20, 2006 and the evening of September 22, 2006, there were 10 separate breakouts from the East Lae`apuki tube about 50 meters (165 feet) inland from the older sea cliff behind the East Lae'apuki lava delta.

Between the morning of September 20, 2006 and the evening of September 22, 2006, there were 10 separate breakouts from the East Lae`apuki tube about 50 meters (165 feet) inland from the older sea cliff behind the East Lae'apuki lava delta.

video thumbnail: Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (August 19, 2006) Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (August 19, 2006)
Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (August 19, 2006)
Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (August 19, 2006)

To document changes in the lava stream level within the Prince Kuhio Kalaniana'ole (PKK) lava tube, a time-lapse camera was placed on the brink of a lava tube skylight (an opening in the roof of the lava tube) with a view of the lava.

To document changes in the lava stream level within the Prince Kuhio Kalaniana'ole (PKK) lava tube, a time-lapse camera was placed on the brink of a lava tube skylight (an opening in the roof of the lava tube) with a view of the lava.

video thumbnail: Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 28, 2006) Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 28, 2006)
Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 28, 2006)
Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 28, 2006)

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter.

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter.

Lava Breakout from PKK Lava Tube at East Lae‘apuki
Lava Breakout from PKK Lava Tube at East Lae‘apuki
Lava Breakout from PKK Lava Tube at East Lae‘apuki

(June 24, 2006, 19:00:53 to June 25, 2006, 01:00:55) After sunset on June 24, 2006, lava burst from the PKK lava tube about 50 meters inland from the older sea cliff bounding the inboard edge of the East Lae‘apuki lava delta. Lava reached the sea cliff and began cascading over it in less than a minute, and it spread quickly across the l

(June 24, 2006, 19:00:53 to June 25, 2006, 01:00:55) After sunset on June 24, 2006, lava burst from the PKK lava tube about 50 meters inland from the older sea cliff bounding the inboard edge of the East Lae‘apuki lava delta. Lava reached the sea cliff and began cascading over it in less than a minute, and it spread quickly across the l

video thumbnail: East Lae'apuki Lava Breakout (June 24, 2006) East Lae'apuki Lava Breakout (June 24, 2006)
East Lae'apuki Lava Breakout (June 24, 2006)
East Lae'apuki Lava Breakout (June 24, 2006)

After sunset on June 24, 2006, lava burst from the East Lae'apuki lava tube about 50 meters (165 feet) inland from the older sea cliff behind the East Lae'apuki lava delta. Lava reached and began cascading over the sea cliff within a minute, and quickly spread across the lava delta below.

After sunset on June 24, 2006, lava burst from the East Lae'apuki lava tube about 50 meters (165 feet) inland from the older sea cliff behind the East Lae'apuki lava delta. Lava reached and began cascading over the sea cliff within a minute, and quickly spread across the lava delta below.

video thumbnail: Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (June 11, 2006) Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (June 11, 2006)
Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (June 11, 2006)
Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (June 11, 2006)

To document changes in the lava stream level within the Prince Kuhio Kalaniana'ole (PKK) lava tube, a time-lapse camera was placed on the brink of a lava tube skylight (an opening in the roof of the lava tube) with a view of the lava.

To document changes in the lava stream level within the Prince Kuhio Kalaniana'ole (PKK) lava tube, a time-lapse camera was placed on the brink of a lava tube skylight (an opening in the roof of the lava tube) with a view of the lava.

Gas Pistons Within Drainhole Vent at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō
Gas Pistons Within Drainhole Vent at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō
Gas Pistons Within Drainhole Vent at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō

(June 2, 2006, 18:30:02 to June 3, 2006, 02:00:03) Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kīlauea and some other basalticvolcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas near the top of the lava column within a volcanic vent (Swanson and others, 1979).

(June 2, 2006, 18:30:02 to June 3, 2006, 02:00:03) Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kīlauea and some other basalticvolcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas near the top of the lava column within a volcanic vent (Swanson and others, 1979).

video thumbnail: Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 3, 2006) Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 3, 2006)
Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 3, 2006)
Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 3, 2006)

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter.

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter.

video thumbnail: Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 3, 2006) Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 3, 2006)
Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 3, 2006)
Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu'u 'O'o Crater (June 3, 2006)

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter.

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter.