Photo and Video Chronology – Kīlauea – July 9, 2021

By Kīlauea July 12, 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 9, 2021 — Kīlauea

Halema‘uma‘u observations, Kīlauea summit - July 9, 2021

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist uses a laser rangefinder to survey points across the solidified lava lake surface in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. No significant changes in lake surface elevation have been observed in recent weeks. USGS photo by M. Patrick taken on July 9, 2021.

A koa‘e kea (white-tailed tropicbird) soars above Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. Typically, a few of these birds can be seen circling over the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u during field visits. USGS photo by M. Patrick.