This thermal image, collected on September 14, 2023, shows features of the eruption site at the summit of Kīlauea. The image looks roughly west. The brighter colors are hotter temperatures, which are closest to the several active eruptive vents on the downdropped block within the caldera.
YouTube Live: Kīlauea
See real-time video of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea
See real-time video of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea Summit Eruption Sampling
The sample will provide information on magma storage and transport before it was erupted onto the surface as lava.
The sample will provide information on magma storage and transport before it was erupted onto the surface as lava.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kīlauea's Summit Eruption
How long did the eruption last? How deep is the crater? And more...
How long did the eruption last? How deep is the crater? And more...
Kīlauea was erupting at the summit most recently from September 10-16, 2023. Several roughly east-west oriented vents on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera generated lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
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- Sunday, September 17, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on September 10th stopped yesterday, September 16th, and is unlikely to restart.
- Yesterday morning, HVO field crews reported that active lava was no longer flowing onto Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor and was restricted to a ponded area north of the vents on the downdropped block. They observed lava spattering at the vents cease at approximately 11:15 am September 16.
- Overnight webcam views showed some incandescence across the eruption area as lava erupted over the past week continues to cool.
- Field observations are supported by geophysical data, which show that eruptive tremor (a signal associated with fluid movement) in the summit region decreased over September 15 and 16 and returned to pre-eruption levels by 5 p.m. HST on September 16.
- Saturday, September 16, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Field crews observed eruptive activity greatly decrease or cease.
- Webcam imagery shows little or no fountaining since 7 a.m., however, intermittent spattering was seen from the westernmost large cone throughout the night.
- Webcam imagery over the past day shows that the area of active lava has retreated even further towards the vents though numerous oozeouts of lava were visible over other parts of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor overnight.
- The laser rangefinder recorded little change over the past 24 hours.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not measured since September 13.
- Friday, September 15, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Several vents continue to erupt. Effusion rates continue to decrease, but remain significant.
- Vigorous spattering is restricted to the westernmost large spatter cone with fountains 10-15 meters (32-50 feet).
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions from the vents and onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor.
- The laser rangefinder recorded about 10 meters (33 feet) of uplift to the western part of Halema‘uma‘u since the eruption started.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not measured since September 13.
- Thursday, September 14, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Vents continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera and are generating lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights reach up to about 10 meters (32 feet).
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; however, the area of active lava has retreated even further towards the vents compared to days prior.
- The laser rangefinder has recorded nearly 9 meters (30 feet) of endogenous uplift of the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema‘uma‘u.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 20,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday afternoon, September 13.
- Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: East-west trending vents, spanning approximately 0.5 miles (750 m), continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10 meters (32 feet) high.
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; however, the area of active lava has retreated towards the vents compared to yesterday. The area north of the eruptive vents has become perched and is about 3 meters (15 feet) higher than the surrounding ground surface.
- The laser rangefinder, aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u, not near the new eruptive activity, recorded nearly 6 m (20 feet) of uplift to this locality since the eruption started. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema‘uma‘u.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 30,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday morning, September 12.
- Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 9:30 AM HST - Several roughly east-west trending lava fountains remain active on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera. The easternmost vents on the downdropped block and the westernmost vents in Halema‘uma‘u became inactive yesterday, and the remaining active vents on the downdropped block span approximately 0.5 miles (750 m). Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) high.
- The vents are feeding channelized lava flows traveling in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. The eastern rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater has been buried by new lava flows, and pāhoehoe lava flows cover most of the crater floor except high ground formed during previous eruptive activity in the southwest portions of the crater.
- The laser rangefinder is aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, not near the new eruptive activity, and recorded nearly 5 m (16 feet) of uplift to this locality since the eruption started. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema'uma'u. Volcanic gas emissions in the eruption area are elevated;
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 49,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday afternoon, September 11.
- Monday, September 11, 2023, 8:55 AM HST - Multiple minor fountains remain active in a line of vents stretching approximately 0.8 miles (1.4 km), from the eastern part of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor extending into the east wall of the downdropped block. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rate, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) high.
- Lava erupted from fissures on the downdropped block is flowing in a westward direction towards Halema‘uma‘u crater, covering much of the surface with active lava.
- The laser rangefinder is aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, not near the new eruptive activity, and recorded about 2.5 m (8 feet) of rise to that part of the crater floor.
- Preliminary sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates of up to 100,000 tonnes per day or more were measured between 4 and 5 p.m. yesterday.
- Sunday, September 10, 2023, 3:18 PM HST - Kīlauea summit begins erupting at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST. Vents erupt on the down dropped block to the east of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, and in the crater, within Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and rapid uplift of the summit.
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B1cam captures the onset of Kīlauea summit eruption - September 10, 2023
The B1cam, located on the east margin of the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera, captured the start of another eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano that began at 3:13 p.m. on September 10, 2023. This video shows a lava fountain bursting from a degassing area in the eastern portion of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with the downdropped block in the foreground. The eruption at Kīlauea’s summit is occurring within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and high levels of volcanic gas are the primary hazard of concern.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Photo and Video Chronology
Photo and Video Chronology
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Photo and Video Chronology – Views of Kīlauea summit eruption – September 15, 2023
Several vents continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera and are generating lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor.
Photo and Video Chronology – Analyzing Kīlauea summit eruption samples – September 14, 2023
Kīlauea's summit eruption continues. HVO staff are work on analyzing lava samples, with analytical help from partners at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH-Hilo) Geology Department.
Photo and Video Chronology – Kīlauea summit eruption continues – September 13, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on September 10th, continues. Eruptive activity is confined to the downdropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kīlauea's summit caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Photo and Video Chronology – New eruption at Kīlauea summit continues – September 11, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began yesterday at 3:15 p.m., September 10th, continues this morning. Eruptive activity is confined to the downdropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kīlauea's summit caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Photo and Video Chronology – New eruption at Kīlauea summit – September 10, 2023
Kīlauea volcano is erupting. At approximately 3:15 p.m. HST on September 10, 2023, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed eruptive activity in Kīlauea summit webcam images and from field reports indicating that an eruption has commenced within Halemaʻumaʻu crater and on the down dropped block to the east in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Kīlauea's Summit Eruption | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
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General Hawai‘i County Civil Defense information or subscribe to CD alerts and updates
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Volcano viewing information from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This eruption is taking place within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Please visit the Park website to learn more about their operations.
B1cam captures the onset of Kīlauea summit eruption - September 10, 2023
The B1cam, located on the east margin of the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera, captured the start of another eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano that began at 3:13 p.m. on September 10, 2023. This video shows a lava fountain bursting from a degassing area in the eastern portion of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with the downdropped block in the foreground.
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September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea summit eruption features in thermal image
This thermal image, collected on September 14, 2023, shows features of the eruption site at the summit of Kīlauea. The image looks roughly west. The brighter colors are hotter temperatures, which are closest to the several active eruptive vents on the downdropped block within the caldera.
September 14, 2023 — Lava flows from the talus slope on Kīlauea's downdropped block
The far eastern end of the fissure system that opened in Kīlauea caldera on September 10, 2023, was in a talus slope at the eastern end of the downdropped block. The vents associated with this part of the fissure produced weak lava fountaining that did not last long. The lava cascaded down and covers the blocks that make up the talus slope. USGS photo by D.
The far eastern end of the fissure system that opened in Kīlauea caldera on September 10, 2023, was in a talus slope at the eastern end of the downdropped block. The vents associated with this part of the fissure produced weak lava fountaining that did not last long. The lava cascaded down and covers the blocks that make up the talus slope. USGS photo by D.
September 14, 2023 — View from behind an erupting fissure at the summit of Kīlauea
View from the ground of one of the vents erupting in Kīlauea caldera on September 14, 2023. The lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents are 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by D. Downs.
View from the ground of one of the vents erupting in Kīlauea caldera on September 14, 2023. The lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents are 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by D. Downs.
September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea’s eruption plume
Much of the plume from Kīlauea’s current eruption is sulfur dioxide (SO2). HVO’s gas monitoring station HRSDH has measured up to 12 ppm of SO2 at its location, nearly 2 miles (3 km) southwest, downwind of the eruption.
Much of the plume from Kīlauea’s current eruption is sulfur dioxide (SO2). HVO’s gas monitoring station HRSDH has measured up to 12 ppm of SO2 at its location, nearly 2 miles (3 km) southwest, downwind of the eruption.
Kīlauea summit eruption reference map — September 14, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on Sunday, September 10, 2023 continues; this map depicts lava flow activity as of September 14, the fourth full day of the eruption.
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on Sunday, September 10, 2023 continues; this map depicts lava flow activity as of September 14, the fourth full day of the eruption.
September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea summit thermal map
A helicopter overflight on September 14, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
A helicopter overflight on September 14, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
September 14, 2023 — View of Kīlauea summit eruption
View from above of the fissures erupting and feeding the lava flows within Halema‘uma‘u and Kīlauea caldera. The shiny black patches are new lava flows, erupting since September 10, 2023, whereas the black dull patches tend to be spatter (molten bombs thrown out) from the vents. The vents farthest to the east have already stopped erupting molten bombs and lava.
View from above of the fissures erupting and feeding the lava flows within Halema‘uma‘u and Kīlauea caldera. The shiny black patches are new lava flows, erupting since September 10, 2023, whereas the black dull patches tend to be spatter (molten bombs thrown out) from the vents. The vents farthest to the east have already stopped erupting molten bombs and lava.
September 14, 2023 — Active lava fountains at Kīlauea
View of the eruptive vents from the east side of Kīlauea caldera, looking west-northwest toward Kīlauea Overlook. Mid-day on September 14, 2023, the cone in the foreground of the image had mild spattering within ponded lava inside the cone. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
View of the eruptive vents from the east side of Kīlauea caldera, looking west-northwest toward Kīlauea Overlook. Mid-day on September 14, 2023, the cone in the foreground of the image had mild spattering within ponded lava inside the cone. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
September 14, 2023 — HVO geologist sets up cameras to monitor Kīlauea eruption
A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist sets up remote cameras for a close-up view of the September 2023 eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. These cameras will help capture changes in the eruption's behavior so that geologists studying the volcano can determine better the processes at work that create the lava fountains. USGS photo by D. Downs.
A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist sets up remote cameras for a close-up view of the September 2023 eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. These cameras will help capture changes in the eruption's behavior so that geologists studying the volcano can determine better the processes at work that create the lava fountains. USGS photo by D. Downs.
September 12, 2023 — Kīlauea summit thermal map
A helicopter overflight on September 12, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
A helicopter overflight on September 12, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
September 14, 2023 — Active fountains in Kīlauea
View of eruptive activity in Kīlauea caldera, from the west side of the caldera, looking east. The three easternmost cones, ranging from 14-20 meters (46-66 ft) fall, were far more active than the west cone in the image which was only 10 meters (33 ft) tall.
View of eruptive activity in Kīlauea caldera, from the west side of the caldera, looking east. The three easternmost cones, ranging from 14-20 meters (46-66 ft) fall, were far more active than the west cone in the image which was only 10 meters (33 ft) tall.
September 14, 2023 — Active spattering at Kīlauea
A row of scones in Halema‘uma‘u are actively ejecting spatter, which helps build the height of each structure. Cone heights of 20 meters (66 feet) have been measured by field teams. Of the line of vents spanning 0.8 miles (1.4 km) that were observed active during the initial phases of the eruption, only six remain active as of September 14, 2023. USGS photo by L.
A row of scones in Halema‘uma‘u are actively ejecting spatter, which helps build the height of each structure. Cone heights of 20 meters (66 feet) have been measured by field teams. Of the line of vents spanning 0.8 miles (1.4 km) that were observed active during the initial phases of the eruption, only six remain active as of September 14, 2023. USGS photo by L.
September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea summit eruption plume
The plume from the current eruption rises above the floor of Halema‘uma‘u. The most recent measurements, taken September 13, indicate 20,000 tonnes per day of sulfur dioxide (SO2) are being emitted.
The plume from the current eruption rises above the floor of Halema‘uma‘u. The most recent measurements, taken September 13, indicate 20,000 tonnes per day of sulfur dioxide (SO2) are being emitted.
September 14, 2023 — A small chain of erupting cones at the summit of Kīlauea
A view of the active fissure in Kīlauea summit caldera, with a chain of cinder cones as seen during an overflight on the afternoon of September 14, 2023. The vents within the cones are feeding lava flows that have covered nearly 500 acres (200 hectares) with new lava since the eruption began on September 10.
A view of the active fissure in Kīlauea summit caldera, with a chain of cinder cones as seen during an overflight on the afternoon of September 14, 2023. The vents within the cones are feeding lava flows that have covered nearly 500 acres (200 hectares) with new lava since the eruption began on September 10.
September 14, 2023 — Erupting vent at Kīlauea
This telephoto view shows one of the erupting vents in Kīlauea caldera. Lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents remain 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
This telephoto view shows one of the erupting vents in Kīlauea caldera. Lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents remain 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea erupting vent
This telephoto view shows one of the erupting vents in Kīlauea caldera. Lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents remain 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
This telephoto view shows one of the erupting vents in Kīlauea caldera. Lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents remain 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
Kīlauea summit eruption thermal image comparison
These thermal images look west and show the eruption at the summit Kīlauea on September 11 (the day after the eruption started) and on September 14. On September 11, multiple vents were active in a roughly east-west trending line and the area of active lava flows was approximately 448 acres (181 hectares).
These thermal images look west and show the eruption at the summit Kīlauea on September 11 (the day after the eruption started) and on September 14. On September 11, multiple vents were active in a roughly east-west trending line and the area of active lava flows was approximately 448 acres (181 hectares).
September 14, 2023—Kīlauea summit thermal map
A helicopter overflight on September 14, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
A helicopter overflight on September 14, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
Tephra from the September 10, 2023, Kīlauea eruption — September 13, 2023
These tephra and spatter clasts were eruption recently at the summit of Kīlauea. They were collected from an inactive fissure on September 12, 2023, and brought back to the lab where they will be analyzed in several ways, including their density, shape, size, and chemistry. The larger clast on the bottom is about 8 inches (20 cm) long. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
These tephra and spatter clasts were eruption recently at the summit of Kīlauea. They were collected from an inactive fissure on September 12, 2023, and brought back to the lab where they will be analyzed in several ways, including their density, shape, size, and chemistry. The larger clast on the bottom is about 8 inches (20 cm) long. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
Tephra from the September 10, 2023, Kīlauea eruption — September 13, 2023
Tephra created within approximately the first 18 hours of the eruption that began in Kīlauea caldera the afternoon of Sunday, September 10, were collected on September 12, 2023, and dried in the lab overnight. Today, these samples will be processed for various analyses to determine what the lava composition is and what minerals it might contain, such as olivine.
Tephra created within approximately the first 18 hours of the eruption that began in Kīlauea caldera the afternoon of Sunday, September 10, were collected on September 12, 2023, and dried in the lab overnight. Today, these samples will be processed for various analyses to determine what the lava composition is and what minerals it might contain, such as olivine.
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 13, 2023
From Kīlauea caldera floor overlooking the downdropped block, HVO scientists had a beautiful view of the six erupting vents on the floor of the downdropped block. HVO scientists were on the caldera floor retrieving seismic nodes, which had been deployed during the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project earlier this year. USGS image by L. DeSmither.
From Kīlauea caldera floor overlooking the downdropped block, HVO scientists had a beautiful view of the six erupting vents on the floor of the downdropped block. HVO scientists were on the caldera floor retrieving seismic nodes, which had been deployed during the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project earlier this year. USGS image by L. DeSmither.
Kīlauea was erupting at the summit most recently from September 10-16, 2023. Several roughly east-west oriented vents on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera generated lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
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- Sunday, September 17, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on September 10th stopped yesterday, September 16th, and is unlikely to restart.
- Yesterday morning, HVO field crews reported that active lava was no longer flowing onto Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor and was restricted to a ponded area north of the vents on the downdropped block. They observed lava spattering at the vents cease at approximately 11:15 am September 16.
- Overnight webcam views showed some incandescence across the eruption area as lava erupted over the past week continues to cool.
- Field observations are supported by geophysical data, which show that eruptive tremor (a signal associated with fluid movement) in the summit region decreased over September 15 and 16 and returned to pre-eruption levels by 5 p.m. HST on September 16.
- Saturday, September 16, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Field crews observed eruptive activity greatly decrease or cease.
- Webcam imagery shows little or no fountaining since 7 a.m., however, intermittent spattering was seen from the westernmost large cone throughout the night.
- Webcam imagery over the past day shows that the area of active lava has retreated even further towards the vents though numerous oozeouts of lava were visible over other parts of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor overnight.
- The laser rangefinder recorded little change over the past 24 hours.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not measured since September 13.
- Friday, September 15, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Several vents continue to erupt. Effusion rates continue to decrease, but remain significant.
- Vigorous spattering is restricted to the westernmost large spatter cone with fountains 10-15 meters (32-50 feet).
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions from the vents and onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor.
- The laser rangefinder recorded about 10 meters (33 feet) of uplift to the western part of Halema‘uma‘u since the eruption started.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate was not measured since September 13.
- Thursday, September 14, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: Vents continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera and are generating lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights reach up to about 10 meters (32 feet).
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; however, the area of active lava has retreated even further towards the vents compared to days prior.
- The laser rangefinder has recorded nearly 9 meters (30 feet) of endogenous uplift of the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema‘uma‘u.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 20,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday afternoon, September 13.
- Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 9:30 AM HST: East-west trending vents, spanning approximately 0.5 miles (750 m), continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10 meters (32 feet) high.
- Pāhoehoe lava flows continue to travel in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor; however, the area of active lava has retreated towards the vents compared to yesterday. The area north of the eruptive vents has become perched and is about 3 meters (15 feet) higher than the surrounding ground surface.
- The laser rangefinder, aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u, not near the new eruptive activity, recorded nearly 6 m (20 feet) of uplift to this locality since the eruption started. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema‘uma‘u.
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 30,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday morning, September 12.
- Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 9:30 AM HST - Several roughly east-west trending lava fountains remain active on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera. The easternmost vents on the downdropped block and the westernmost vents in Halema‘uma‘u became inactive yesterday, and the remaining active vents on the downdropped block span approximately 0.5 miles (750 m). Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rates, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) high.
- The vents are feeding channelized lava flows traveling in north and west directions onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor. The eastern rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater has been buried by new lava flows, and pāhoehoe lava flows cover most of the crater floor except high ground formed during previous eruptive activity in the southwest portions of the crater.
- The laser rangefinder is aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, not near the new eruptive activity, and recorded nearly 5 m (16 feet) of uplift to this locality since the eruption started. This demonstrates that a significant amount of lava has intruded beneath the pre-existing crust within Halema'uma'u. Volcanic gas emissions in the eruption area are elevated;
- A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of 49,000 tonnes per day was measured yesterday afternoon, September 11.
- Monday, September 11, 2023, 8:55 AM HST - Multiple minor fountains remain active in a line of vents stretching approximately 0.8 miles (1.4 km), from the eastern part of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor extending into the east wall of the downdropped block. Effusion rates appear down from initial eruptive rate, but remain high.
- Lava fountain heights have decreased since the eruption onset, but remain up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) high.
- Lava erupted from fissures on the downdropped block is flowing in a westward direction towards Halema‘uma‘u crater, covering much of the surface with active lava.
- The laser rangefinder is aimed at a western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater, not near the new eruptive activity, and recorded about 2.5 m (8 feet) of rise to that part of the crater floor.
- Preliminary sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates of up to 100,000 tonnes per day or more were measured between 4 and 5 p.m. yesterday.
- Sunday, September 10, 2023, 3:18 PM HST - Kīlauea summit begins erupting at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST. Vents erupt on the down dropped block to the east of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, and in the crater, within Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption was preceded by a period of strong seismicity and rapid uplift of the summit.
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B1cam captures the onset of Kīlauea summit eruption - September 10, 2023
The B1cam, located on the east margin of the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera, captured the start of another eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano that began at 3:13 p.m. on September 10, 2023. This video shows a lava fountain bursting from a degassing area in the eastern portion of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with the downdropped block in the foreground. The eruption at Kīlauea’s summit is occurring within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and high levels of volcanic gas are the primary hazard of concern.
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Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Photo and Video Chronology
Photo and Video Chronology
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Photo and Video Chronology – Views of Kīlauea summit eruption – September 15, 2023
Several vents continue to erupt on the western side of the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera and are generating lava flows onto Halema‘uma‘u crater floor.
Photo and Video Chronology – Analyzing Kīlauea summit eruption samples – September 14, 2023
Kīlauea's summit eruption continues. HVO staff are work on analyzing lava samples, with analytical help from partners at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH-Hilo) Geology Department.
Photo and Video Chronology – Kīlauea summit eruption continues – September 13, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on September 10th, continues. Eruptive activity is confined to the downdropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kīlauea's summit caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Photo and Video Chronology – New eruption at Kīlauea summit continues – September 11, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began yesterday at 3:15 p.m., September 10th, continues this morning. Eruptive activity is confined to the downdropped block and Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kīlauea's summit caldera. No unusual activity has been noted along Kīlauea’s East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.
Photo and Video Chronology – New eruption at Kīlauea summit – September 10, 2023
Kīlauea volcano is erupting. At approximately 3:15 p.m. HST on September 10, 2023, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory observed eruptive activity in Kīlauea summit webcam images and from field reports indicating that an eruption has commenced within Halemaʻumaʻu crater and on the down dropped block to the east in Kīlauea’s summit caldera, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Kīlauea's Summit Eruption | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
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Subscribe to the USGS Volcano Notification Service to receive eruption updates
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General Hawai‘i County Civil Defense information or subscribe to CD alerts and updates
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Volcano viewing information from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This eruption is taking place within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Please visit the Park website to learn more about their operations.
B1cam captures the onset of Kīlauea summit eruption - September 10, 2023
The B1cam, located on the east margin of the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera, captured the start of another eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano that began at 3:13 p.m. on September 10, 2023. This video shows a lava fountain bursting from a degassing area in the eastern portion of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with the downdropped block in the foreground.
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September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea summit eruption features in thermal image
This thermal image, collected on September 14, 2023, shows features of the eruption site at the summit of Kīlauea. The image looks roughly west. The brighter colors are hotter temperatures, which are closest to the several active eruptive vents on the downdropped block within the caldera.
This thermal image, collected on September 14, 2023, shows features of the eruption site at the summit of Kīlauea. The image looks roughly west. The brighter colors are hotter temperatures, which are closest to the several active eruptive vents on the downdropped block within the caldera.
September 14, 2023 — Lava flows from the talus slope on Kīlauea's downdropped block
The far eastern end of the fissure system that opened in Kīlauea caldera on September 10, 2023, was in a talus slope at the eastern end of the downdropped block. The vents associated with this part of the fissure produced weak lava fountaining that did not last long. The lava cascaded down and covers the blocks that make up the talus slope. USGS photo by D.
The far eastern end of the fissure system that opened in Kīlauea caldera on September 10, 2023, was in a talus slope at the eastern end of the downdropped block. The vents associated with this part of the fissure produced weak lava fountaining that did not last long. The lava cascaded down and covers the blocks that make up the talus slope. USGS photo by D.
September 14, 2023 — View from behind an erupting fissure at the summit of Kīlauea
View from the ground of one of the vents erupting in Kīlauea caldera on September 14, 2023. The lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents are 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by D. Downs.
View from the ground of one of the vents erupting in Kīlauea caldera on September 14, 2023. The lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents are 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by D. Downs.
September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea’s eruption plume
Much of the plume from Kīlauea’s current eruption is sulfur dioxide (SO2). HVO’s gas monitoring station HRSDH has measured up to 12 ppm of SO2 at its location, nearly 2 miles (3 km) southwest, downwind of the eruption.
Much of the plume from Kīlauea’s current eruption is sulfur dioxide (SO2). HVO’s gas monitoring station HRSDH has measured up to 12 ppm of SO2 at its location, nearly 2 miles (3 km) southwest, downwind of the eruption.
Kīlauea summit eruption reference map — September 14, 2023
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on Sunday, September 10, 2023 continues; this map depicts lava flow activity as of September 14, the fourth full day of the eruption.
The Kīlauea summit eruption that began on Sunday, September 10, 2023 continues; this map depicts lava flow activity as of September 14, the fourth full day of the eruption.
September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea summit thermal map
A helicopter overflight on September 14, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
A helicopter overflight on September 14, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
September 14, 2023 — View of Kīlauea summit eruption
View from above of the fissures erupting and feeding the lava flows within Halema‘uma‘u and Kīlauea caldera. The shiny black patches are new lava flows, erupting since September 10, 2023, whereas the black dull patches tend to be spatter (molten bombs thrown out) from the vents. The vents farthest to the east have already stopped erupting molten bombs and lava.
View from above of the fissures erupting and feeding the lava flows within Halema‘uma‘u and Kīlauea caldera. The shiny black patches are new lava flows, erupting since September 10, 2023, whereas the black dull patches tend to be spatter (molten bombs thrown out) from the vents. The vents farthest to the east have already stopped erupting molten bombs and lava.
September 14, 2023 — Active lava fountains at Kīlauea
View of the eruptive vents from the east side of Kīlauea caldera, looking west-northwest toward Kīlauea Overlook. Mid-day on September 14, 2023, the cone in the foreground of the image had mild spattering within ponded lava inside the cone. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
View of the eruptive vents from the east side of Kīlauea caldera, looking west-northwest toward Kīlauea Overlook. Mid-day on September 14, 2023, the cone in the foreground of the image had mild spattering within ponded lava inside the cone. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
September 14, 2023 — HVO geologist sets up cameras to monitor Kīlauea eruption
A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist sets up remote cameras for a close-up view of the September 2023 eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. These cameras will help capture changes in the eruption's behavior so that geologists studying the volcano can determine better the processes at work that create the lava fountains. USGS photo by D. Downs.
A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist sets up remote cameras for a close-up view of the September 2023 eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera. These cameras will help capture changes in the eruption's behavior so that geologists studying the volcano can determine better the processes at work that create the lava fountains. USGS photo by D. Downs.
September 12, 2023 — Kīlauea summit thermal map
A helicopter overflight on September 12, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
A helicopter overflight on September 12, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
September 14, 2023 — Active fountains in Kīlauea
View of eruptive activity in Kīlauea caldera, from the west side of the caldera, looking east. The three easternmost cones, ranging from 14-20 meters (46-66 ft) fall, were far more active than the west cone in the image which was only 10 meters (33 ft) tall.
View of eruptive activity in Kīlauea caldera, from the west side of the caldera, looking east. The three easternmost cones, ranging from 14-20 meters (46-66 ft) fall, were far more active than the west cone in the image which was only 10 meters (33 ft) tall.
September 14, 2023 — Active spattering at Kīlauea
A row of scones in Halema‘uma‘u are actively ejecting spatter, which helps build the height of each structure. Cone heights of 20 meters (66 feet) have been measured by field teams. Of the line of vents spanning 0.8 miles (1.4 km) that were observed active during the initial phases of the eruption, only six remain active as of September 14, 2023. USGS photo by L.
A row of scones in Halema‘uma‘u are actively ejecting spatter, which helps build the height of each structure. Cone heights of 20 meters (66 feet) have been measured by field teams. Of the line of vents spanning 0.8 miles (1.4 km) that were observed active during the initial phases of the eruption, only six remain active as of September 14, 2023. USGS photo by L.
September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea summit eruption plume
The plume from the current eruption rises above the floor of Halema‘uma‘u. The most recent measurements, taken September 13, indicate 20,000 tonnes per day of sulfur dioxide (SO2) are being emitted.
The plume from the current eruption rises above the floor of Halema‘uma‘u. The most recent measurements, taken September 13, indicate 20,000 tonnes per day of sulfur dioxide (SO2) are being emitted.
September 14, 2023 — A small chain of erupting cones at the summit of Kīlauea
A view of the active fissure in Kīlauea summit caldera, with a chain of cinder cones as seen during an overflight on the afternoon of September 14, 2023. The vents within the cones are feeding lava flows that have covered nearly 500 acres (200 hectares) with new lava since the eruption began on September 10.
A view of the active fissure in Kīlauea summit caldera, with a chain of cinder cones as seen during an overflight on the afternoon of September 14, 2023. The vents within the cones are feeding lava flows that have covered nearly 500 acres (200 hectares) with new lava since the eruption began on September 10.
September 14, 2023 — Erupting vent at Kīlauea
This telephoto view shows one of the erupting vents in Kīlauea caldera. Lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents remain 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
This telephoto view shows one of the erupting vents in Kīlauea caldera. Lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents remain 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
September 14, 2023 — Kīlauea erupting vent
This telephoto view shows one of the erupting vents in Kīlauea caldera. Lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents remain 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
This telephoto view shows one of the erupting vents in Kīlauea caldera. Lava fountain heights at the vents reached up to about 10-15 meters (32-50 feet) and the horseshoe-shaped spatter ramparts that have accumulated on the south/downwind side of the vents remain 20 meters (66 feet) high. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
Kīlauea summit eruption thermal image comparison
These thermal images look west and show the eruption at the summit Kīlauea on September 11 (the day after the eruption started) and on September 14. On September 11, multiple vents were active in a roughly east-west trending line and the area of active lava flows was approximately 448 acres (181 hectares).
These thermal images look west and show the eruption at the summit Kīlauea on September 11 (the day after the eruption started) and on September 14. On September 11, multiple vents were active in a roughly east-west trending line and the area of active lava flows was approximately 448 acres (181 hectares).
September 14, 2023—Kīlauea summit thermal map
A helicopter overflight on September 14, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
A helicopter overflight on September 14, 2023, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected at the summit of Kīlauea. The eruptive activity continues with fountains active on the downdropped block, just east of Halema‘uma‘u crater, with lava pouring west onto the crater floor.
Tephra from the September 10, 2023, Kīlauea eruption — September 13, 2023
These tephra and spatter clasts were eruption recently at the summit of Kīlauea. They were collected from an inactive fissure on September 12, 2023, and brought back to the lab where they will be analyzed in several ways, including their density, shape, size, and chemistry. The larger clast on the bottom is about 8 inches (20 cm) long. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
These tephra and spatter clasts were eruption recently at the summit of Kīlauea. They were collected from an inactive fissure on September 12, 2023, and brought back to the lab where they will be analyzed in several ways, including their density, shape, size, and chemistry. The larger clast on the bottom is about 8 inches (20 cm) long. USGS photo by K. Lynn.
Tephra from the September 10, 2023, Kīlauea eruption — September 13, 2023
Tephra created within approximately the first 18 hours of the eruption that began in Kīlauea caldera the afternoon of Sunday, September 10, were collected on September 12, 2023, and dried in the lab overnight. Today, these samples will be processed for various analyses to determine what the lava composition is and what minerals it might contain, such as olivine.
Tephra created within approximately the first 18 hours of the eruption that began in Kīlauea caldera the afternoon of Sunday, September 10, were collected on September 12, 2023, and dried in the lab overnight. Today, these samples will be processed for various analyses to determine what the lava composition is and what minerals it might contain, such as olivine.
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 13, 2023
From Kīlauea caldera floor overlooking the downdropped block, HVO scientists had a beautiful view of the six erupting vents on the floor of the downdropped block. HVO scientists were on the caldera floor retrieving seismic nodes, which had been deployed during the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project earlier this year. USGS image by L. DeSmither.
From Kīlauea caldera floor overlooking the downdropped block, HVO scientists had a beautiful view of the six erupting vents on the floor of the downdropped block. HVO scientists were on the caldera floor retrieving seismic nodes, which had been deployed during the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project earlier this year. USGS image by L. DeSmither.