Images

Telephoto view of the fissure 3 lava channel on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone, as seen by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crews on the morning of December 7, 2022. Channel velocities here, closer to the vent where the channels are narrow, have been measured at around 26-36 feet per second (8.2-11 meters per second). USGS image by M. Patrick.

Early morning views of the Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption on December 7, 2022 showed continued lava effusion from fissure 3 into the developed upper channel system. USGS Photo by K. Lynn.

A view of the lava channel erupting from fissure 3 on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Near the vent, the lava channel moves at around 26-36 feet per second (8.2-11 meters per second). Farther downslope, the wide lava flow front is advancing more slowly, at an average rate slower than 20 feet (6 meters) per hour. USGS image by M. Patrick. 

Aerial view of a lava flow from the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa taken the morning of December 7, 2022. A significant breakout removing lava from the channel about 2.8 mi (4.5 km) behind the tip of the main flow on the east side was observed this morning.

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa that began the evening of November 27, 2022, continues as of December 7, 2022 (tenth full day). One active fissure, fissure 3, is feeding a lava flow downslope to the north.

A view of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. USGS image by K. Lynn on December 7, 2022. 

View of the fissure 3 lava channel looking upslope during a morning overflight of the Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Eruption on December 7, 2022. The eruption vent was emitting a strong plume of volcanic gas, visible in the background of the image. USGS Photo by K. Lynn.

A morning overflight on December 7, 2022, provided aerial views of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. USGS image by M. Patrick. 

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists have been working to understand what volcanic gases are being emitted by the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates of approximately 120,000 tonnes per day (t/d) were measured on December 4, 2022, and remain elevated at this time.

Views and field observations of the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa have been hampered today due to poor visibility. This photo was taken during a brief window of time when the flanks of Mauna Loa were visible from the lava viewing road. The eruption plume is apparent above the summit. A few minutes later, clouds obscured much of the view. USGS image by N.

A close up view of the fissure 3 lava channel erupting from Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone, as seen by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crews on the morning of December 5, 2022. The large bumps are standing waves in the lava.

This image, taken during an early morning overflight, shows the Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone fissure 3 vent and lava channel. Fountain heights of 130 feet (40 meters), with bursts over 330 feet (100m) were measured by HVO field crews. USGS image by L. Gallant. 

This image, taken midday during a helicopter overflight of Mauna Loa's eruption on December 5, 2022, shows a lava flow branching after it cuts across the Mauna Loa Access Road. The large blocks in channel are called lava boats. These are termed lava balls or lava boats and form when portions of the fissure 3 cone or levees break away and are rafted down stream.

Rare spotting! Dueling volcanoes captured by Landsat 9 satellite. Mauna Loa's 11.3-mile-long lava flow illuminates the plume of ash in the atmosphere above. The small red spot in the lower right is Kilauea—it began erupting nine days ago. USGS Volcanoes says a dual eruption has not occurred in Hawaii since 1984, making this a rare event.

Panoramic image showing the fissure 3 lava channel at a high elevation on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone. In field, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists measure how fast the lava is flowing. On average, the velocity of lava within the channel is estimated to be flowing at a rate of nearly 10 meters per secon (32 feet per second). USGS image by H.

A helicopter overflight on December 5, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa. This map only shows activity from Fissure 3 on the Northeast Rift Zone, which is feeding a lava flow to the north.

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa has continued into its eigth full day. One active fissure, fissure 3, is feeding a lava flow downslope to the north.

Helicopter overflights on November 30, December 1, December 2, and December 5, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa. These maps show evolution of the lava flow from fissure 3 over those days.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientists are monitoring the eruption of fissure 3 on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. In the field, scientists relay geospatial information on the lava flow front location, document fissure 3 lava fountain and lava channel dynamics, and deploy new instrumentation to help monitor the eruption remotely. USGS image by L.

View of fissure 3 erupting high on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa the morning of December 4, 2022. The eruption is generating a volcanic gas plume and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates of approximately 180,000 tonnes per day (t/d) were measured on December 1, 2022.

Aerial view of the fissure 3 lava channel, erupting from Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone on December 4, 2022. Channel velocities here, closer to the vent where the channels are narrow, were measured at 26-36 feet per second (8.2-11 meters per second) on December 5, 2022.