Photo and Video Chronology - Kīlauea - July 21, 2020

image related to volcanoes. See description

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An HVO geologist collects GPS data on the western rim of Kīlauea's summit caldera. The geologist is standing upon a thick sequence of tephra deposits formed during explosive eruptions at Kīlauea's summit between about 1500 CE and the early 19th century. These layers of explosive deposits cap a much thicker sequence of lava flows (bottom and left portion of the photo), formed before 1500 CE. Research in recent years has shown that Kīlauea's summit alternates between explosive and non-explosive (lava flow dominated) periods. The tall cliff in the lower left portion of the image formed during the collapses of the caldera floor in 2018. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

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At 8:45 am, morning sunlight reflecting off the water lake at Kīlauea's summit created a bright luster, masking the typical tan and brown surface colors. Ripples on the water surface can be seen when the photo is enlarged. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

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At 10:15am, sunlight is reflecting off the numerous ripples on the water surface. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

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By 11:20 am, reflections are minimal and the true colors of the lake surface are evident. The surface normally has shades of tan to brown, with a sharp color boundary often cutting across the lake. USGS photo by M. Patrick.