Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Active vents on floor of Pu`u `O`o

Detailed Description

Active vents on floor of Pu`u `O`o, viewed from north rim. Left. January cone, in center of photo, is the most active today, but East Pond Vent, near left edge, is putting out a healthy amount of lava, too. Short flows from the two vents have built a high-standing mound. Smooth crust in foreground is on a lava lake that nearly encircles the mound. The "rippled" surface of the lake crust attests to a previous episode of overturning (see photo below).

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.