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Photo and Video Chronology - Kīlauea - August 8, 2019

By Kīlauea August 8, 2019

Water ponds in Halema‘uma‘u now joined

image related to volcanoes. See description
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
During field observations on August 8, HVO scientists noted that all three ponds are now joined, indicating that the water at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly rise. Rangefinder measurements also suggested continued pond deepening. The scientists could also see agitation of the water surface when viewing the pond through image-stabilized binoculars, visible in this photo as white spots on the pond (see close-up image below). USGS photo by D. Swanson, 08-08-2019.
image related to volcanoes. See description
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The photo above has been cropped here to better show agitation on the pond surface. The agitation could be due to escaping gases from below rising through the water, or from the water boiling, or, perhaps, a combination of both. HVO scientists will better understand what's happening if/when a sample of the water can be collected, which is a logistical challenge given that the pond cannot be reached on foot due to hazardous conditions in the crater. USGS photo by D. Swanson, 08-08-2019.

 

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