Analyzing samples from Kīlauea summit eruption — September 11, 2023

After preparing the lava samples, the pressed pellets are loaded into the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) instrument for analysis (box on the left in the image). The computer screen shows the spectral spikes for certain elements measured in the sample during the analysis. These compositional analyses are used by HVO and University of Hawai‘i at Hilo partners to understand the eruption. The lava samples for this eruption so far have about 6.8 weight percent MgO (magnesium oxide), which is nearly identical to previous Kīlauea summit eruptions since 2020. UH-Hilo photo by S. Lundblad.