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

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Color photograph of volcanic fissure erupting
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

Photograph of fissure 3 erupting on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone the morning of November 29, 2022. The longest and largest lava flow is issuing from fissure 3. This lava flow crossed the Mauna Loa Weather Observatory Road at approximately 8 p.m.

Photograph of fissure 3 erupting on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone the morning of November 29, 2022. The longest and largest lava flow is issuing from fissure 3. This lava flow crossed the Mauna Loa Weather Observatory Road at approximately 8 p.m.

Color photograph of eruption
Mauna Loa fissure eruption and lava flow
Mauna Loa fissure eruption and lava flow
Mauna Loa fissure eruption and lava flow

An erupting fissure high on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone was issuing multiple lava flows on the morning of November 29, 2022. Fountain heights of 20-25 meters (65-82 feet) were measured by HVO field crews. A gas plume is rising off of the fissure and partially obscuring Mauna Kea in the background of the image. USGS image by L. Gallant. 

An erupting fissure high on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone was issuing multiple lava flows on the morning of November 29, 2022. Fountain heights of 20-25 meters (65-82 feet) were measured by HVO field crews. A gas plume is rising off of the fissure and partially obscuring Mauna Kea in the background of the image. USGS image by L. Gallant. 

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 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.

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.

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

Lava fountains along a fissure on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone at approximately 9:30 a.m. HST on November 28, 2022. The photo was taken looking toward the north. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

Lava fountains along a fissure on Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone at approximately 9:30 a.m. HST on November 28, 2022. The photo was taken looking toward the north. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

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 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 view taken during an overflight of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa at approximately 5-6:30 p.m. HST on November 28, 2022. Fissure vents at a high elevation above 10,000 ft on the Northeast Rift Zone. Image courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

Aerial view taken during an overflight of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa at approximately 5-6:30 p.m. HST on November 28, 2022. Fissure vents at a high elevation above 10,000 ft on the Northeast Rift Zone. Image courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.

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.

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 is looking down on a braided lava flow on the northeast flank.

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 is looking down on a braided lava flow on the northeast flank.

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 is looking down on a section of the braided lava flow on the northeast flank.

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 is looking down on a section of the braided lava flow on the northeast flank.

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 is looking at the line of fissure vents erupting above 10,000 ft elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.

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 is looking at the line of fissure vents erupting above 10,000 ft elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.

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 is looking at the line of fissure vents erupting above 10,000 ft elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.

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 is looking at the line of fissure vents erupting above 10,000 ft elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.

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 is looking down on a section of the braided lava flow on the northeast flank.

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 is looking down on a section of the braided lava flow on the northeast flank.

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.

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 view of Mauna Loa summit with Lua Hou in the foreground followed by Lua Hohonu, South Pit, and Mokuʻāweoweo summit caldera. A small dusting of snow covers the ground east of the summit. The steaming fissure was active during the beginning of the eruption, but this morning the lava in the summit caldera had already cooled to a black color.

Aerial view of Mauna Loa summit with Lua Hou in the foreground followed by Lua Hohonu, South Pit, and Mokuʻāweoweo summit caldera. A small dusting of snow covers the ground east of the summit. The steaming fissure was active during the beginning of the eruption, but this morning the lava in the summit caldera had already cooled to a black color.

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 lava fountains along a fissure on Mauna Loa's northeast rift zone at approximately 9:30 a.m. HST on 28 November 2022. The photo was taken looking toward the north. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

Aerial photo of lava fountains along a fissure on Mauna Loa's northeast rift zone at approximately 9:30 a.m. HST on 28 November 2022. The photo was taken looking toward the north. USGS photo by K. Lynn.

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