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September 10, 2020

September 3, 2020 — Kīlauea

Visit to Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone - fissure 7 of the 2018 eruption

Media
Color photograph of volcanic fissure
On September 3, USGS HVO geologists visited fissure 7 of Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption. Geologists investigated and documented vent features, and collected samples for ongoing analyses of 2018 eruption dynamics. Fountains from fissure 7 left a hole over the vent area. From this hole, one of several fissure 7 fountains erupted during the 2018 volcanic crisis. In the background is fissure 8. The golden colored pāhoehoe draining into fissure 7 is from the end of fissure 8 activity. HVO extends a sincere mahalo to the residents who gave permission to access their property for the site visit.
Media
Color photograph of volcanic fissure
Photo of Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption fissure 7, from Hookupu street and looking west. The rampart is surrounded by fissure 8 lava. This view is of the back side of the rampart; lava fountains erupted on the opposite side of the rampart. 
Media
Color photograph of volcanic fissure
View of the front side of fissure 7 rampart, erupted during Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption. Red oxidation is present in lower layers within the rampart. Golden shelly pāhoehoe from fissure 8 surrounds the rampart. 

Visit to Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone - fissure 21 of the 2018 eruption

 

Media
Color photograph of volcanic fissure
On September 3, USGS HVO geologists also visited fissure 21 of Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption. Geologists investigated and documented vent features, and collected samples for ongoing analyses of 2018 eruption dynamics. View of fissure 21 from the northeast. A small hole has formed from collapse of the rampart. Several large collapse blocks and collapse piles surround this part of the fissure. Ramparts are prone to partial collapse after an eruption if the spatter does not weld together when the lava fountains are active. HVO extends a sincere mahalo to the residents who gave permission to access their property for the site visit.
Media
Color photograph of volcanic fissure
This photo views fissure 21, of Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption, from the southeast. 
Media
Color photograph of volcanic fissure
Front side of fissure 21 of Kīlauea's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption. Red oxidation and white mineral precipitates color the front of the rampart. Fountains erupted immediately in front of this feature. 
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