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Volcano Hazard Program images.

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Color photograph of volcanic vent in lava lake
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021

A photo of the west vent and active western portion of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. The eastern side of the lava lake (out of view to the right), has a stagnant solidified crust on the surface. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither on November 3, 2021.

A photo of the west vent and active western portion of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. The eastern side of the lava lake (out of view to the right), has a stagnant solidified crust on the surface. USGS photo taken by L. DeSmither on November 3, 2021.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Ponded lava within the spatter cone supplies lava into the lava lake through the tubed-over spillway. The fast-moving lava stream is incandescent as it enters into the lava lake at the base of the cone.

A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. Ponded lava within the spatter cone supplies lava into the lava lake through the tubed-over spillway. The fast-moving lava stream is incandescent as it enters into the lava lake at the base of the cone.

Color photograph of lava lake
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021
Eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, Kīlauea summit - November 3, 2021

The vent in the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u continues to erupt at the summit of Kīlauea. Volcanic gas emissions, primarily from the west vent (right), remain elevated. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates were measured at around 3,600 tonnes per day on October 28, 2021. USGS photo taken on November 3, 2021, by L. DeSmither.

The vent in the western wall of Halema‘uma‘u continues to erupt at the summit of Kīlauea. Volcanic gas emissions, primarily from the west vent (right), remain elevated. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates were measured at around 3,600 tonnes per day on October 28, 2021. USGS photo taken on November 3, 2021, by L. DeSmither.

Color map of lava lake at volcano summit
November 4, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
November 4, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
November 4, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on November 4, 2021. One eruptive vent is active within Halema‘uma‘u at this time, along the western edge of the rising lava lake.

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on November 4, 2021. One eruptive vent is active within Halema‘uma‘u at this time, along the western edge of the rising lava lake.

Color photograph of active lava lake
Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea summit - November 2, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea summit - November 2, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea summit - November 2, 2021

The extent of the active surface of the lava lake (orange) within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, is clearly delineated as the sun sets on November 2, 2021. Photo taken at 5:56 p.m. HST from the west rim. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

The extent of the active surface of the lava lake (orange) within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, is clearly delineated as the sun sets on November 2, 2021. Photo taken at 5:56 p.m. HST from the west rim. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Images of olivine crystal
Tracking magma movement using olivine crystal “clocks”
Tracking magma movement using olivine crystal “clocks”
Tracking magma movement using olivine crystal “clocks”

Images of olivine from Hawaiian volcanoes. In olivine the abundance of magnesium (Mg) is expressed as the forsterite content (Fo)—which is a ratio of how much Mg there is compared to the iron (Fe). Left: Green olivine from Mauna Loa’s 1852 eruption, viewed under a microscope. USGS&nbsp

Images of olivine from Hawaiian volcanoes. In olivine the abundance of magnesium (Mg) is expressed as the forsterite content (Fo)—which is a ratio of how much Mg there is compared to the iron (Fe). Left: Green olivine from Mauna Loa’s 1852 eruption, viewed under a microscope. USGS&nbsp

A branching root cast from grasses that grew on the ashy lahars deposited along the ancestral Missouri River system
A branching root cast from grasses that grew on the ashy lahars deposited along the ancestral Missouri River system
A branching root cast from grasses that grew on the ashy lahars deposited along the ancestral Missouri River system
A branching root cast from grasses that grew on the ashy lahars deposited along the ancestral Missouri River system

A branching root cast from grasses that grew on the ashy lahars deposited along the ancestral Missouri River system. Plant roots growing in calcareous soils made holes that were filled with calcite after the organics rotted away.  Photo by Rob Thomas, August 2021.

A branching root cast from grasses that grew on the ashy lahars deposited along the ancestral Missouri River system. Plant roots growing in calcareous soils made holes that were filled with calcite after the organics rotted away.  Photo by Rob Thomas, August 2021.

Map of Porcelain Basin and images of colloidal pool over time.
Colloidal_Pool_maps_and_photos.png
Colloidal_Pool_maps_and_photos.png
Colloidal_Pool_maps_and_photos.png

Comparison of (a) 1904 Historical map with (b) 1988 USGS map. Colloidal Pool is a large, labeled pool roughly located on a straight line between Hurricane vent and Whirligig Geyser on the 1988 map (b); this same transect on the 1904 map (a) shows no feature at that location (white circle).

Comparison of (a) 1904 Historical map with (b) 1988 USGS map. Colloidal Pool is a large, labeled pool roughly located on a straight line between Hurricane vent and Whirligig Geyser on the 1988 map (b); this same transect on the 1904 map (a) shows no feature at that location (white circle).

High powered microscopic images showing clay particles and diatoms
SEM_Colloidal_poolpng.png
SEM_Colloidal_poolpng.png
SEM_Colloidal_poolpng.png

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the Colloidal Pool colloids (images are a combination of backscatter and secondary electrons). The colloids are a mixture of clay particles, hydrated silica, alunite, and diatoms.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the Colloidal Pool colloids (images are a combination of backscatter and secondary electrons). The colloids are a mixture of clay particles, hydrated silica, alunite, and diatoms.

A wide view of a lava lake with a crater wall vent producing a white volcanic gas plume
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021

A wide view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, on November 1, 2021. This view, looking east, shows the west vent (bottom center) which continues to supply lava to the active portion of the lava lake, while the eastern portion (far side of lake) is crusted over.

A wide view of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, on November 1, 2021. This view, looking east, shows the west vent (bottom center) which continues to supply lava to the active portion of the lava lake, while the eastern portion (far side of lake) is crusted over.

A telephoto color image of dark stagnant lava lake surface crust along the margin, with older crater wall at the edge
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at Kīlauea summit - November 1, 2021

A telephoto image of the northeast margin of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit, on November 1, 2021. The lava lake has now risen high enough to start covering the lowest portion of the down-dropped block on the north side of Halema‘uma‘u.

A telephoto image of the northeast margin of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit, on November 1, 2021. The lava lake has now risen high enough to start covering the lowest portion of the down-dropped block on the north side of Halema‘uma‘u.

Four sequential images of a small lava fountain within a dark spatter cone, taken seconds apart
West vent fountain sequence, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit—Nov. 1, 2021
West vent fountain sequence, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit—Nov. 1, 2021
West vent fountain sequence, Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit—Nov. 1, 2021

A sequence of telephoto images of the west vent (spanning 4 seconds), within Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit. The west vent continues to produce low-level lava fountains (seen here), which are forming an elevated pond of lava within the spatter cone.

A sequence of telephoto images of the west vent (spanning 4 seconds), within Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea summit. The west vent continues to produce low-level lava fountains (seen here), which are forming an elevated pond of lava within the spatter cone.

Thin section photo of Lava Creek Tuff “unit 2"
Thin section photo of Lava Creek Tuff “unit 2"
Thin section photo of Lava Creek Tuff “unit 2"
Thin section photo of Lava Creek Tuff “unit 2"

Microscope thin-section photo of Lava Creek Tuff “unit 2.” Photo by Ray Salazar (Montana State University) on October 28, 2021.

Microscope thin-section photo of Lava Creek Tuff “unit 2.” Photo by Ray Salazar (Montana State University) on October 28, 2021.

View of White Mountain from the Sunlight Basin Road
View of White Mountain from the Sunlight Basin Road
View of White Mountain from the Sunlight Basin Road
View of White Mountain from the Sunlight Basin Road

A view of White Mountain -- a deposit of the Heart Mountain detachment -- from the Sunlight Basin Road in Wyoming. Much of the evidence supporting the lamprophyre diatreme triggering mechanism theory for the landslide was gathered at White Mountain.

A view of White Mountain -- a deposit of the Heart Mountain detachment -- from the Sunlight Basin Road in Wyoming. Much of the evidence supporting the lamprophyre diatreme triggering mechanism theory for the landslide was gathered at White Mountain.

Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers
Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers
Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers
Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers

Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers. (a, c) Graphs showing water temperatures recorded by data loggers stationed near Beehive and Old Faithful Geysers, respectively. These data loggers were deployed by the Yellowstone Geology Program, configured to capture temperatures at one-minute intervals (indicated by blue dots).

Different views of an eruption from two predictable geysers. (a, c) Graphs showing water temperatures recorded by data loggers stationed near Beehive and Old Faithful Geysers, respectively. These data loggers were deployed by the Yellowstone Geology Program, configured to capture temperatures at one-minute intervals (indicated by blue dots).

Example initial analyses on the water temperature data
Example initial analyses on the water temperature data
Example initial analyses on the water temperature data
Example initial analyses on the water temperature data

Example initial analyses on the water temperature data. (a, c) Graphs showing the calculated time between eruptions. (b, d) Histograms demonstrating the distribution of eruption intervals.

Example initial analyses on the water temperature data. (a, c) Graphs showing the calculated time between eruptions. (b, d) Histograms demonstrating the distribution of eruption intervals.

Research Vessel Annie and Remotely Operated Vehicle Yogi
Research Vessel Annie and Remotely Operated Vehicle Yogi
Research Vessel Annie and Remotely Operated Vehicle Yogi
Research Vessel Annie and Remotely Operated Vehicle Yogi

Research Vessel Annie and Remotely Operated Vehicle Yogi.  a) R/V Annie on Yellowstone Lake operated by the Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration.  Image Rob Harris, OSU.  b) ROV Yogi with GFOE President Dave Lovalvo.  Image Todd Gregory, GFOE.  C) ROV Yogi and 1-m heat flow probe.  This pr

Research Vessel Annie and Remotely Operated Vehicle Yogi.  a) R/V Annie on Yellowstone Lake operated by the Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration.  Image Rob Harris, OSU.  b) ROV Yogi with GFOE President Dave Lovalvo.  Image Todd Gregory, GFOE.  C) ROV Yogi and 1-m heat flow probe.  This pr

Yellowstone Lake bathymetry showing the location of the Deep Hole vent field
Yellowstone Lake map showing the location of the Deep Hole vent field
Yellowstone Lake map showing the location of the Deep Hole vent field
Yellowstone Lake map showing the location of the Deep Hole vent field

Yellowstone Lake bathymetry showing the location of the Deep Hole vent field.  Inset shows locations of heat-flux measurements (red dots) in the Deep Hole vent field.

Yellowstone Lake bathymetry showing the location of the Deep Hole vent field.  Inset shows locations of heat-flux measurements (red dots) in the Deep Hole vent field.

Color photo of a lava lake in halema'uma'u crater with a gas plume emitted from a fissure vent
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—October 15, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—October 15, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—October 15, 2021

The Kīlauea summit eruption continues within Halema‘uma‘u, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This photo of the lava lake was taken this morning, October 15, 2021, during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption overflight. The vent in the western crater wall (center) continues to supply lava into the lava lake.

The Kīlauea summit eruption continues within Halema‘uma‘u, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This photo of the lava lake was taken this morning, October 15, 2021, during a Hawaiian Volcano Observatory eruption overflight. The vent in the western crater wall (center) continues to supply lava into the lava lake.

Telephoto color image of a lava fountain within a black spatter cone
West vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit eruption—Oct. 15 2021
West vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit eruption—Oct. 15 2021
West vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit eruption—Oct. 15 2021

A close-up view of the west vent on the western crater wall of Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. Fountaining and lava spatter has built a cone around the vent. Lava pools in the cone and then pours into the lava lake through a small spillway. This photo was taken during a monitoring helicopter overflight on October 15, 2021. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

A close-up view of the west vent on the western crater wall of Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. Fountaining and lava spatter has built a cone around the vent. Lava pools in the cone and then pours into the lava lake through a small spillway. This photo was taken during a monitoring helicopter overflight on October 15, 2021. USGS photo by N. Deligne.

Color photo of a lava fountain within a black spatter cone at the edge of a lava lake
West vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit eruption—Oct. 15 2021
West vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit eruption—Oct. 15 2021
West vent in Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea summit eruption—Oct. 15 2021

A telephoto view of the west vent supplying lava to the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. In the bottom right, the western fissure complex from the Dec. 2020–May 2021 eruption is visible as a spiny dull dark brown and red feature.

A telephoto view of the west vent supplying lava to the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. In the bottom right, the western fissure complex from the Dec. 2020–May 2021 eruption is visible as a spiny dull dark brown and red feature.