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Halema‘uma‘u west vent lava pond with koa‘e kea bird

Detailed Description

Lava continues to erupt from a perched lava pond within the west vent of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. This photo shows spatter bursts through the pond and a roiling and sloshing pond surface, as well as a white-trailed tropicbird (koa‘e kea).. These birds make their homes in the walls of Halema‘uma‘u crater and are frequently seen flying around the crater.

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.