Photo and Video Chronology – Kīlauea – October 13, 2021

By Kīlauea October 13, 2021

The ongoing eruption at Kīlauea's summit began at 3:21 p.m. HST on September 29, 2021. Lava activity is currently confined within Halema'uma'u crater. Gas emissions and seismic activity at the summit remain elevated. HVO field crews—equipped with specialized safety gear—monitor the eruption from within the closed area of Hawai‘i Volc

HVO scientists collect detailed data to assess hazards and understand how the eruption is evolving 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.

Eruption in Halema'uma'u — October 12, 2021

Low-light photograph of a lava lake with bright lava fountains erupting from the vent in the west crater wall — A wide view of the ongoing eruption at Kīlauea summit, from the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u. A vent on the western crater wall (left) continues to supply lava to the active west half of the lava lake. The west side of the lake is perched above the stagnant eastern (right) lake surface, with several lava overflows advancing over the previously solidified surface crust. USGS photo taken by B. Carr.

Telephoto color image of lava fountains within a spatter cone — Associated with an increase in fountaining activity at the main western vent in Halema‘uma‘u, a short-lived vent opened just to the north (right). Activity at this vent lasted about 10 hours with low-level fountaining about 3 meters (10 ft) high. Large fountaining bursts from the main vent threw lava above the height of the cone (30 meters or 100 ft), depositing spatter on the exterior slopes of the cone. USGS photo by B. Carr.

Nighttime color photograph of lava fountains erupting within a spatter cone — A view of the fountaining at the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The photo was taken from the west rim, looking down upon the vent. Low fountaining and roiling within the cone supplied lava to the lake via a narrow spillway. Lava spreading out into the lake develops a zig-zag pattern in the surface crust. USGS photo by M. Patrick taken on October 12, 2021.

Low-light telephoto color image of lava fountains supplying lava into lava lake — Lava fountains from the western vent within Halema‘uma‘u continue to supply lava into the lava lake through a short spillway. Consistent fountain heights of 10–15 meters (30–50 ft) were interrupted by frequent larger busts of spatter exceeding the height of the cone (30 m or 100 ft). USGS photo taken by B. Carr on October 12, 2021.