A telephoto view in the same area of the western lava lake surface within Halema‘uma‘u. Lava continued to flow from the active western lake surface (right) onto the lower area of cooled solidified crust just north of it (left).
Images
Kīlauea images of eruptive activity, field work, and more.
A telephoto view in the same area of the western lava lake surface within Halema‘uma‘u. Lava continued to flow from the active western lake surface (right) onto the lower area of cooled solidified crust just north of it (left).
An aerial telephoto view of the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater on the morning of November 9. Spattering at the west vent occasionally reached above the level of the cone rim. The ponded lava within the cone was supplying lava to the lake from a tubed over spillway that is slightly elevated above the lava lake surface. USGS photo taken by B. Carr.
An aerial telephoto view of the western vent in Halema‘uma‘u crater on the morning of November 9. Spattering at the west vent occasionally reached above the level of the cone rim. The ponded lava within the cone was supplying lava to the lake from a tubed over spillway that is slightly elevated above the lava lake surface. USGS photo taken by B. Carr.
Following a brief—about one day—decrease in activity from November 7–8, the effusion rate within Halema‘uma‘u crater increased again on November 9. The active lava lake surface, which significantly shrunk during the lower-level of activity, has since grown back to it's previous size.
Following a brief—about one day—decrease in activity from November 7–8, the effusion rate within Halema‘uma‘u crater increased again on November 9. The active lava lake surface, which significantly shrunk during the lower-level of activity, has since grown back to it's previous size.
During a helicopter overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater on November 9, HVO geologists observed spattering within the west vent cone and lava entering the lake via a spillway that is now tubed-over. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates remain elevated with the largest volcanic gas plume coming from the west vent. USGS photo by B. Carr.
During a helicopter overflight of Halema‘uma‘u crater on November 9, HVO geologists observed spattering within the west vent cone and lava entering the lake via a spillway that is now tubed-over. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates remain elevated with the largest volcanic gas plume coming from the west vent. USGS photo by B. Carr.
![Color photograph of volcanic plume](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/multimediaFile-3424.jpeg?itok=iGfMBcPW)
On the morning of November 9, a wispy volcanic gas plume (lower left) was visible over Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit. As the hot plume rose to meet the cool morning air, water vapor formed a cloud above the crater. USGS photo by J. Schmith.
On the morning of November 9, a wispy volcanic gas plume (lower left) was visible over Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit. As the hot plume rose to meet the cool morning air, water vapor formed a cloud above the crater. USGS photo by J. Schmith.
A helicopter overflight on November 9, 2021, at approximately 8:30 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.
A helicopter overflight on November 9, 2021, at approximately 8:30 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.
A helicopter overflight on November 9, 2021, at approximately 8:30 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.
A helicopter overflight on November 9, 2021, at approximately 8:30 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.
This compilation of recent thermal maps shows the evolution of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.
This compilation of recent thermal maps shows the evolution of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.
![color photograph of lava lake and volcanic vent](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/multimediaFile-3418_0.jpg?itok=KN9Q6kiP)
Despite the temporary decrease in activity at Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, spattering was still visible within the west vent cone. This telephoto image was taken from the western rim of the crater during a lower level of eruptive activity on November 8, 2021. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.
Despite the temporary decrease in activity at Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, spattering was still visible within the west vent cone. This telephoto image was taken from the western rim of the crater during a lower level of eruptive activity on November 8, 2021. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.
![Color photograph of active lava lake](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/multimediaFile-3417.jpg?itok=9H9nBXCU)
The extent of the active lava lake surface (lower right) within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, had decreased substantially over the previous day and (at the time of this photo) was limited to the area around the west vent. This photo was taken at 5:48 p.m. HST on November 8, 2021, from the western rim of the crater. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.
The extent of the active lava lake surface (lower right) within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, had decreased substantially over the previous day and (at the time of this photo) was limited to the area around the west vent. This photo was taken at 5:48 p.m. HST on November 8, 2021, from the western rim of the crater. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.
![Color photograph of volcanic vent](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3413.jpg?itok=Z64Q_cyV)
A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, taken from the northwest rim on November 3. Low roiling lava continues to erupt from the west vent, with occasional larger bursts of spatter. The spatter cone that has built up since the eruption began on September 29, contains ponded lava that supplies the lava lake through the tubed-over spillway.
A telephoto image of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, taken from the northwest rim on November 3. Low roiling lava continues to erupt from the west vent, with occasional larger bursts of spatter. The spatter cone that has built up since the eruption began on September 29, contains ponded lava that supplies the lava lake through the tubed-over spillway.
![Color photograph of volcanic vent in lava lake](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3414.jpg?itok=T3MddW_L)
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](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3415.jpg?itok=MkQcc8Dp)
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](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3412.jpg?itok=cwawh8Hn)
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](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/KIL_2021_Summit_1104.png?itok=7ukpEcBi)
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](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3411.jpg?itok=jtYUH2Sk)
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](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Kendra%20VW%20image.jpg?itok=9_oHkJiC)
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 
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 
![A wide view of a lava lake with a crater wall vent producing a white volcanic gas plume](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3407%20-%20edit.jpg?itok=kBGkgAU9)
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](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3408%20-%20edit.jpg?itok=CAIbUzPM)
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](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3409.jpg?itok=u46shvdE)
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.
![Color photo of a lava lake in halema'uma'u crater with a gas plume emitted from a fissure vent](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/thumbnails/image/multimediaFile-3371.jpg?itok=_mbLJQGs)
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.