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Explore our planet through photography and imagery, including climate change and water all the way back to the 1800s when the USGS was surveying the country by horse and buggy.

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Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

Aerial image looking to the southwest and showing fissures within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit, producing lava fountains within the southern and south-central part of the lava lake. These lava fountains are less energetic than when the eruption started on September 29, 2021, but are still spattering to heights of about 5 meters (16 ft) or less.

Aerial image looking to the southwest and showing fissures within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit, producing lava fountains within the southern and south-central part of the lava lake. These lava fountains are less energetic than when the eruption started on September 29, 2021, but are still spattering to heights of about 5 meters (16 ft) or less.

Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

Aerial photo taken during a morning overflight on October 1, 2021, and looking at the west end of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The west vent that is feeding this part of the lava lake is visible; the base of this vent was well above the lava lake when it opened on the afternoon of September 29, 2021.

Aerial photo taken during a morning overflight on October 1, 2021, and looking at the west end of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The west vent that is feeding this part of the lava lake is visible; the base of this vent was well above the lava lake when it opened on the afternoon of September 29, 2021.

Color photograph of active lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater - October 1, 2021

In the afternoon of October 1, 2021, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed the ongoing eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu from the northwest rim of the crater at Kīlauea's summit.

In the afternoon of October 1, 2021, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed the ongoing eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu from the northwest rim of the crater at Kīlauea's summit.

 Kīlauea summit eruption continues within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021

The Kīlauea summit eruption continues within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This wide view of the new lava lake was taken this morning, October 1, 2021, during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption overflight.

The Kīlauea summit eruption continues within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This wide view of the new lava lake was taken this morning, October 1, 2021, during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption overflight.

The growing lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu, at the summit of Kīlauea, has risen roughly 27 m (89 ft) since the eruption started
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021

The growing lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu, at the summit of Kīlauea, has risen roughly 27 m (89 ft) since the eruption started on September 29, 2021 at 3:21 p.m. HST. The eruption began with a fissure opening along the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, through the surface of the solidified 2020–21 lava lake.

The growing lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu, at the summit of Kīlauea, has risen roughly 27 m (89 ft) since the eruption started on September 29, 2021 at 3:21 p.m. HST. The eruption began with a fissure opening along the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu, through the surface of the solidified 2020–21 lava lake.

telephoto view of the south-central and western fissure fountains that continue to erupt lava into the growing lava lake
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021

A telephoto view of the south-central and western fissure fountains that continue to erupt lava into the growing lava lake at Kīlauea summit. The lava lake and eruptive activity are confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

A telephoto view of the south-central and western fissure fountains that continue to erupt lava into the growing lava lake at Kīlauea summit. The lava lake and eruptive activity are confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

 telephoto image of the lava lake margin
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021

This telephoto image of the lava lake margin was taken during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kīlauea summit eruption overflight this morning. The lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater is forming a “perched” levee around parts of the lake perimeter.

This telephoto image of the lava lake margin was taken during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Kīlauea summit eruption overflight this morning. The lava lake within Halemaʻumaʻu crater is forming a “perched” levee around parts of the lake perimeter.

telephoto view of the western fissure that opened in the wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption within Halemaʻumaʻu crater—October 1, 2021

A telephoto view of the western fissure that opened in the wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, during the new Kīlauea summit eruption. Spatter from the lava fountains have built a horseshoe-shaped cone (black lava) surrounding the upper part of the fountain, while lava flows into the lava lake at the base of the vent.

A telephoto view of the western fissure that opened in the wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, during the new Kīlauea summit eruption. Spatter from the lava fountains have built a horseshoe-shaped cone (black lava) surrounding the upper part of the fountain, while lava flows into the lava lake at the base of the vent.

Color map of lava lake temperature
October 1, 2020—Kīlauea summit eruption thermal maps
October 1, 2020—Kīlauea summit eruption thermal maps
October 1, 2020—Kīlauea summit eruption thermal maps

A helicopter overflight on October 1, 2021, at approximately 10 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.

A helicopter overflight on October 1, 2021, at approximately 10 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.

Color map of lava lake temperature
October 1, 2020—Kīlauea summit eruption thermal maps
October 1, 2020—Kīlauea summit eruption thermal maps
October 1, 2020—Kīlauea summit eruption thermal maps

A helicopter overflight on October 1, 2021, at approximately 10 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.

A helicopter overflight on October 1, 2021, at approximately 10 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.

Shaded relief map of Henrys Fork Caldera and vicinity
Shaded relief map of Henrys Fork Caldera and vicinity
Shaded relief map of Henrys Fork Caldera and vicinity
Shaded relief map of Henrys Fork Caldera and vicinity

Shaded relief map of Henrys Fork Caldera and vicinity. The margin of Henrys Fork Caldera is shown in blue. Note the smooth, low-relief topography within the caldera compared to the steep and dynamic topography associated with Yellowstone Caldera (at the right side of the image).

Shaded relief map of Henrys Fork Caldera and vicinity. The margin of Henrys Fork Caldera is shown in blue. Note the smooth, low-relief topography within the caldera compared to the steep and dynamic topography associated with Yellowstone Caldera (at the right side of the image).

Color image of lava lake temperature
Thermal images of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu
Thermal images of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu
Thermal images of the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu

View looking down at the September-October 2021 lava lake eruption of Halemaʻumaʻu from the F1 thermal camera located on the western rim of the crater at Kīlauea’s summit. Molten material appears as warmer colors of yellow, orange, and pink, whereas cooler material is represented by dark blue and purple colors.

View looking down at the September-October 2021 lava lake eruption of Halemaʻumaʻu from the F1 thermal camera located on the western rim of the crater at Kīlauea’s summit. Molten material appears as warmer colors of yellow, orange, and pink, whereas cooler material is represented by dark blue and purple colors.

This telephoto image shows two vents that formed on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater during the current eruption
Vents on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater
Vents on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater
Vents on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater

This telephoto image shows two vents that formed on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater during the current eruption of Kīlauea, which began on September 29, 2021. The photo was taken from the southern rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater at 9:02 a.m. HST on Oct.

This telephoto image shows two vents that formed on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater during the current eruption of Kīlauea, which began on September 29, 2021. The photo was taken from the southern rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater at 9:02 a.m. HST on Oct.

Two vents on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit, remain active
Western vents at Halema‘uma‘u crater
Western vents at Halema‘uma‘u crater
Western vents at Halema‘uma‘u crater

Two vents on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit, remain active. The western fissure opened about an hour and a half (around 4:40 p.m.) after the eruption began on Sept. 29, 2021. The pinkish and black area within the lava lake (near the center of the photo) is the partially submerged west vent that formed during the Dec.

Two vents on the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit, remain active. The western fissure opened about an hour and a half (around 4:40 p.m.) after the eruption began on Sept. 29, 2021. The pinkish and black area within the lava lake (near the center of the photo) is the partially submerged west vent that formed during the Dec.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. The active vent in the west wall of Halemaʻumaʻu is vigorously fountaining, and is one of many fountaining sources active in the lava lake right now.

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. The active vent in the west wall of Halemaʻumaʻu is vigorously fountaining, and is one of many fountaining sources active in the lava lake right now.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021

Oblique aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. This view shows multiple active spattering sources in southern central part of Halemaʻumaʻu, and associated plumes of volcanic gas.

Oblique aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. This view shows multiple active spattering sources in southern central part of Halemaʻumaʻu, and associated plumes of volcanic gas.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021

Oblique telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021.

Oblique telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. This photo shows the eastern portoin of the nascent lava lake, where it meets the wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. This photo shows the eastern portoin of the nascent lava lake, where it meets the wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. This photo shows two of the many spattering sources active in the base of Halemaʻumaʻu, feeding the growing lava lake. The south wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater is visible in the upper left portion of the image.

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. This photo shows two of the many spattering sources active in the base of Halemaʻumaʻu, feeding the growing lava lake. The south wall of Halemaʻumaʻu crater is visible in the upper left portion of the image.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. A series of fountains in the central portion of the lava lake are visible, as well as the prominent vent in the west wall of Halemaʻumaʻu.

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. A series of fountains in the central portion of the lava lake are visible, as well as the prominent vent in the west wall of Halemaʻumaʻu.

Color photograph of eruption
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 30, 2021

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. This photo shows several of the fountaining sources on the base of Halemaʻumaʻu, which are only a few meters (yards) high. USGS image by K. Mulliken. 

Telephoto aerial image of eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu at Kīlauea Volcano's summit taken during an overflight at approximately 7:30 a.m. HST on September 30, 2021. This photo shows several of the fountaining sources on the base of Halemaʻumaʻu, which are only a few meters (yards) high. USGS image by K. Mulliken. 

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