December 4, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel

Aerial view of fissure 3 eruption lava channel on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa the morning of December 4, 2022. Fissure 3 has produced several lava channels that are winding their way down the northeast slope of Mauna Loa, coalescing into a single flow front.  As of 7 a.m. today, December 4, the flow front was about 2.3 mi (3.6 km) from the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road). USGS image by L. DeSmither.