Photo and Video Chronology – Kīlauea – July 30, 2021

By Kīlauea August 2, 2021

Kīlauea's summit is no longer erupting; lava supply to the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake has ceased and sulfur dioxide emissions have decreased to near pre-eruption background levels. HVO field crews—equipped with specialized safety gear—monitor for new changes from within the closed area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with NPS permission.

HVO scientists collect detailed data to assess hazards and understand evolving processes at Kīlauea's summit, all of which are shared with the National Park Service and emergency managers. Access to this hazardous area is by permission from, and in coordination with, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

July 30, 2021 — Kīlauea

View of Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit and close up view of inactive western fissure spatter cone in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea

Color photograph of lava lake — A view looking north into Halema‘uma‘u on July 30, 2021. Although eruptive activity has paused at the summit of Kīlauea, HVO geologists still monitor the lava lake and summit area weekly. Lava lake surface depths remain the same since mid to late May when active lava was last observed at the surface. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

Color photograph of volcanic vent — Eruptive activity paused within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit, a bit more than 2 months ago. In that time, the spatter cone at the western fissure complex has slowly degraded due to numerous small scale collapses, leaving a debris apron (fresh looking rubble) and exposing the interior of the spatter cone. USGS photo by N. Deligne.