Filling and draining cycle event in the Halema`uma`u vent

Lava within the vent cavity in Halema`uma`u crater continues to be active, and occasionally displays remarkable filling and draining cycles. This Quicktime movie shows the draining portion of one of these cycles, captured in "nightshot" mode in order to see through the thick fume. The video begins with a wide surface of chaotic, agitated lava, with vigorous upwelling and spattering. The lava surface is about 30 m wide. Eventually, the lava begins to drain into a hole on the floor of the vent cavity, as spattering continues. Each filling and draining cycle lasted about 5 minutes.