Images

This image, taken during a helicopter overflight on the afternoon of November 29, shows the advancing flow front from Mauna Loa. This flow was erupted from a vent high up on the Northeast Rift Zone and is flowing to the north. USGS image by L. Gallant. 

This image was taken on a helicopter overflight on the afternoon of November 29, 2022. It shows a lava flow cutting across the Mauna Loa Observatory Road in two places. USGS image by L. Gallant. 

This image shows an erupting fissure high on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone. Fountain heights of 20-25 meters (65-82 feet) were measured by HVO field crews on the morning of November 29, 2022. USGS image by L. Gallant.

Mauna Loa’s Fissure 3 gas plume, with rain clouds, as seen from the Saddle Road on November 29, 2022. The orange-brown tint near the vent is due to scattering by aerosols in the plume.

A view of fissure 4 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa, taken at approximately 8 a.m. HST November 29, 2022. Fissure 4 formed at approximately 7:30 p.m. HST November 28, and this morning the fountains there were 5-10 m (16-33 ft) tall. USGS photo by F. Trusdell. 

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa has continued into its second full day. At this time two fissures are active, sending lava flows in multiple directions. Overnight satellite views allowed USGS analysts to accurately map some of the most active flows, displayed in red here.

Aerial view of the lava flows on the northeast flank of Mauna Loa, taken during a morning overflight on November 29, 2022. These lava flows are moving in a northeast direction, being fed by fissure vents on the Northeast Rift Zone. USGS photo by M. Patrick. 

Mauna Loa eruption as viewed from Waikoloa at about 1:25am local time (HST). The eruption is occurring from the summit of the volcano, though lava has overflowed the caldera.

Aerial photos taken at 7:15 AM local time (HST) from Civil Air Patrol flight. Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa.

Aerial photos taken at 7:15 AM local time (HST) from Civil Air Patrol flight. Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa.

Aerial photos taken at 7:15 AM local time (HST) from Civil Air Patrol flight. Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa.

Aerial photos taken at 7:15 AM local time (HST) from Civil Air Patrol flight. Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa.

HVO field crews are at the summit of Mauna Loa to make observations and collect information about the eruption that began on November 27, 2022. The eruption began at the summit and migrated to the Northeast Rift Zone, where this photo was taken around 10:00 am local time (HST) on November 28, 2022. 

Aerial photo of a fissure and lava flows on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone at approximately 9:30 a.m. HST on November 28, 2022. The photo view is to the NW, with Mauna Kea on the right hand side of the image. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

Aerial photo of a fissure and lava flows on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone at approximately 9:30 a.m. HST on November 28, 2022. The photo view is to the NW, with Mauna Kea on the right hand side of the image. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

Aerial photo captured during an overflight of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa at approximately 5-6:30 p.m. HST on November 28, 2022. This photo shows fissure vents erupting above 10,000 ft elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa and generating a lava flow on the northeast flank. Image courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

Aerial photo captured during an overflight of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa at approximately 5-6:30 p.m. HST on November 28, 2022. This photo shows fissure vents erupting above 10,000 ft elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Image courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

Aerial photo captured during an overflight of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa at approximately 5-6:30 p.m. HST on November 28, 2022. This photo shows fissure vents erupting above 10,000 ft elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Image courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

Aerial photo captured during an overflight of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa at approximately 5-6:30 p.m. HST on November 28, 2022. This photo shows the line of fissure vents erupting above 10,000 ft elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Image courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

Aerial photo captured during an overflight of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa at approximately 5-6:30 p.m. HST on November 28, 2022.

Aerial photo captured during an overflight of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa at approximately 5-6:30 p.m. HST on November 28, 2022.