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Images

Mauna Loa images of eruptive activity, field work, and more.

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Color photograph of lava flow front
Mauna Loa flow front
Mauna Loa flow front
Mauna Loa flow front

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, 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. 

Color photograph of lava flows
Lava flow cutting the Mauna Loa Observatory Road
Lava flow cutting the Mauna Loa Observatory Road
Lava flow cutting the Mauna Loa Observatory Road

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 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. 

Color photograph of volcanic vent
Mauna Loa fissure erupting on November 29, 2022
Mauna Loa fissure erupting on November 29, 2022
Mauna Loa fissure erupting on November 29, 2022

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.

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.

Color photograph of eruption plume
Mauna Loa’s Fissure 3 gas plume on November 29, 2022
Mauna Loa’s Fissure 3 gas plume on November 29, 2022
Mauna Loa’s Fissure 3 gas plume on November 29, 2022

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.

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.

Color photograph of eruption
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption

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. 

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. 

Color map of eruption
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Eruption Map

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.

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.

Color photograph of lava flow
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption
November 29, 2022 — Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption

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. 

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. 

volcanic eruption in the distance
Mauna Loa eruption as viewed from Waikoloa
Mauna Loa eruption as viewed from Waikoloa
Mauna Loa eruption as viewed from Waikoloa

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

lava flowing down volcano
Lava flow — Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa
Lava flow — Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa
Lava flow — 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.

lava flowing down volcano
Lava flow — Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa
Lava flow — Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa
Lava flow — 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.

lava flowing down volcano
Aerial view of Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa
Aerial view of Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa
Aerial view of 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.

lava flowing down volcano
Aerial view of Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa
Aerial view of Northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa
Aerial view of 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.

Person standing on summit taking observations
Mauna Loa Observations
Mauna Loa Observations
Mauna Loa Observations

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. 

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. 

Lava flow on Mauna Loa
Lava flow on Mauna Loa - November 28, 2022
Lava flow on Mauna Loa - November 28, 2022
Lava flow on Mauna Loa - 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.

Lava flow on Mauna Loa
Lava flow on Mauna Loa - November 28, 2022
Lava flow on Mauna Loa - November 28, 2022
Lava flow on Mauna Loa - 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.

Lava flowing down a mountainside with smoke billowing from the lava
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - 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. 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 and generating a lava flow on the northeast flank. Image courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

Lava flowing down a mountainside with smoke billowing from the lava
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - 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. 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.

Lava flowing down a mountainside with smoke billowing from the lava
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - 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. 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.

Lava flowing down a mountainside with smoke billowing from the lava
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - 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. 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. 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.

Lava flowing down a mountainside with smoke billowing from the lava
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - 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.

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.

Lava flowing down a mountainside with smoke billowing from the lava
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - November 28, 2022
Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption - 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.

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.

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