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Explore a wide variety of videos that highlight natural hazards, the risks they pose and the science we conduct to better understand and prepare for them.

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Lava flowing into Halema‘uma‘u from multiple channels 12/28/2020
Lava flowing into Halema‘uma‘u from multiple channels 12/28/2020
Lava flowing into Halema‘uma‘u from multiple channels 12/28/2020

Lava flowing from the western fissure vent feeds multiple channels. This video was taken by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's geology field team on December 28, 2020, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The team is located at an observation point on the rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, and is using a telephoto lens to document fissure behavior.

Lava flowing from the western fissure vent feeds multiple channels. This video was taken by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's geology field team on December 28, 2020, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The team is located at an observation point on the rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, and is using a telephoto lens to document fissure behavior.

Evening views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, 12/27/2020
Evening views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, 12/27/2020
Evening views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, 12/27/2020

27 December 2020 - Kīlauea Volcano US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - Evening views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u. The west vent remained active overnight, with strombolian-like bursts and lava cascades. Lava cascading from the vent plunges into the lava lake in multiple places, causing local upwelling.

27 December 2020 - Kīlauea Volcano US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - Evening views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u. The west vent remained active overnight, with strombolian-like bursts and lava cascades. Lava cascading from the vent plunges into the lava lake in multiple places, causing local upwelling.

Overflight of Kīlauea's summit Lava Lake and Fissure
Overflight of Kīlauea's summit Lava Lake and Fissure
Overflight of Kīlauea's summit Lava Lake and Fissure

A helicopter overflight on December 26, 2020, provided aerial views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u. This video, which is sped up 3 times, shows the lava lake and active west vent that rejuvenated just before 3 a.m. HST today. Visual and thermal imagery collected during the overflight are used to map the ongoing activity.

A helicopter overflight on December 26, 2020, provided aerial views of the eruption in Halema‘uma‘u. This video, which is sped up 3 times, shows the lava lake and active west vent that rejuvenated just before 3 a.m. HST today. Visual and thermal imagery collected during the overflight are used to map the ongoing activity.

Kīlauea — UAS Video of Halema‘uma‘u Crater Eruption (Dec. 25, 2020)
Kīlauea — UAS Video of Halema‘uma‘u Crater Eruption (Dec. 25, 2020)
Kīlauea — UAS Video of Halema‘uma‘u Crater Eruption (Dec. 25, 2020)

Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) video clips of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit. This collection of video clips from December 25, 2020 taken with UAS shows the then-dominant north vent fountain and occasional weak spattering from the west vent.

Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) video clips of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit. This collection of video clips from December 25, 2020 taken with UAS shows the then-dominant north vent fountain and occasional weak spattering from the west vent.

Halema'uma'u — Switch from Water Lake to Lava Lake (Thermal)
Halema'uma'u — Switch from Water Lake to Lava Lake (Thermal)
Halema'uma'u — Switch from Water Lake to Lava Lake (Thermal)

This thermal timelapse (from F1cam webcam) shows the switch from water lake to lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, spanning December 20 to December 24. During the initial phase of lava appearing in the crater, a large steam plume is generated as lava interacts with and boils off the water lake.

This thermal timelapse (from F1cam webcam) shows the switch from water lake to lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, spanning December 20 to December 24. During the initial phase of lava appearing in the crater, a large steam plume is generated as lava interacts with and boils off the water lake.

Halema'uma'u Lava Lake Fills from Two Spatter and Fountain Sources
Halema'uma'u Lava Lake Fills from Two Spatter and Fountain Sources
Halema'uma'u Lava Lake Fills from Two Spatter and Fountain Sources

23 December 2020 - Kīlauea Volcano US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Clip 1: A mid-day helicopter overflight provided aerial views of the eruption in Halema'uma'u crater. This video shows two active fissures erupting lava into a growing lava lake. Visual and thermal images collected during the overflight are used to map the ongoing activity.

23 December 2020 - Kīlauea Volcano US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Clip 1: A mid-day helicopter overflight provided aerial views of the eruption in Halema'uma'u crater. This video shows two active fissures erupting lava into a growing lava lake. Visual and thermal images collected during the overflight are used to map the ongoing activity.

Fissure Activity Within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea Volcano
Fissure Activity Within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea Volcano
Fissure Activity Within Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea Volcano

 Telephoto videos capture fissure activity within Halema‘uma‘u crater on December 22, 2020, at approximately 3:35 PM HST. (1) The first video shows the main northern fissure. The lava fountains have built up a horseshoe-shaped spatter cone (dark in color) around the perimeter of the vent. (2) 2) The second video shows the smaller western fissure.

 Telephoto videos capture fissure activity within Halema‘uma‘u crater on December 22, 2020, at approximately 3:35 PM HST. (1) The first video shows the main northern fissure. The lava fountains have built up a horseshoe-shaped spatter cone (dark in color) around the perimeter of the vent. (2) 2) The second video shows the smaller western fissure.

Overnight Fissure Activity Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea
Overnight Fissure Activity Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea
Overnight Fissure Activity Halema‘uma‘u Crater, Kīlauea

Two fissure vents feed a growing lava lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u crater. A preliminary calculation of volume suggests that since the start of the eruption on December 20, 2020, approximately 8-10 million cubic meters of lava have been erupted. This is equivalent to over 2 billion gallons, the volume of 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Two fissure vents feed a growing lava lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u crater. A preliminary calculation of volume suggests that since the start of the eruption on December 20, 2020, approximately 8-10 million cubic meters of lava have been erupted. This is equivalent to over 2 billion gallons, the volume of 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Fissures, Lava Lake, Wind Vortex at Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
Fissures, Lava Lake, Wind Vortex at Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea
Fissures, Lava Lake, Wind Vortex at Halema‘uma‘u, Kīlauea

Fissures Feed a Lava Lake at Halema'uma'u, at Kīlauea Volcano's Summit. Since fissures opened on December 20, 2020 in Halema'uma'u crater, USGS–Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists have maintained a 24-hour watch from the rim, taking measurements and making visual observations.

Fissures Feed a Lava Lake at Halema'uma'u, at Kīlauea Volcano's Summit. Since fissures opened on December 20, 2020 in Halema'uma'u crater, USGS–Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists have maintained a 24-hour watch from the rim, taking measurements and making visual observations.

Fissure Vents Feed New Lava Lake at Halema'uma'u, Kīlauea (Dec 2020)
Fissure Vents Feed New Lava Lake at Halema'uma'u, Kīlauea (Dec 2020)
Lava Returns to Halema'uma'u: Timelapse Captures, December 20-21, 2020
Lava Returns to Halema'uma'u: Timelapse Captures, December 20-21, 2020
Lava Returns to Halema'uma'u: Timelapse Captures, December 20-21, 2020

Lava Returns to Halema'uma'u, as captured in this timelapse from the K2cam, located at the HVO Observation Tower (Kīlauea Volcano). Timelapse is from December 20, 2020, 5:50 a.m. to December 21, 2020, 11:57 p.m.

Lava Returns to Halema'uma'u, as captured in this timelapse from the K2cam, located at the HVO Observation Tower (Kīlauea Volcano). Timelapse is from December 20, 2020, 5:50 a.m. to December 21, 2020, 11:57 p.m.

Lava flow in the Crater of Kīlauea Volcano (Dec 2020)
Lava flow in the Crater of Kīlauea Volcano (Dec 2020)
Lava flow in the Crater of Kīlauea Volcano (Dec 2020)

On December 20, 2020 just after 9:30 PM HST, lava began flowing from three fissure vents inside the crater of Kīlauea. The water lake at the base of the Halema'uma'u crater has boiled off. Lava is now feeding a growing lava lake.

On December 20, 2020 just after 9:30 PM HST, lava began flowing from three fissure vents inside the crater of Kīlauea. The water lake at the base of the Halema'uma'u crater has boiled off. Lava is now feeding a growing lava lake.

From Millennia to Minutes: Life Cycles of Volcanoes and Eruptions
From Millennia to Minutes: Life Cycles of Volcanoes and Eruptions
From Millennia to Minutes: Life Cycles of Volcanoes and Eruptions

Arc volcanoes often show evidence for new magma coming from the lower crust and interacting with old magma in the shallow crustal storage system.

Arc volcanoes often show evidence for new magma coming from the lower crust and interacting with old magma in the shallow crustal storage system.

Man standing in front of TV Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for November 2020
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for November 2020
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for November 2020

Mike Poland, Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, gives an overview of activity at Yellowstone during November 2020.

 

Mike Poland, Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, gives an overview of activity at Yellowstone during November 2020.

 

Timelapse showing surface motion of Kīlauea's summit water lake
Timelapse showing surface motion of Kīlauea's summit water lake
Timelapse showing surface motion of Kīlauea's summit water lake

This timelapse sequence shows 3.5 hours of activity at the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Several influx zones supply groundwater into the lake from the margins, creating shifting color zones on the lake surface. No significant changes have been observed in recent lake activity. USGS video by M. Patrick.
 

This timelapse sequence shows 3.5 hours of activity at the water lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. Several influx zones supply groundwater into the lake from the margins, creating shifting color zones on the lake surface. No significant changes have been observed in recent lake activity. USGS video by M. Patrick.
 

USGS Volcano Observatories in 2020: Past 10 Years; The Future
USGS Volcano Observatories in 2020: Past 10 Years; The Future
USGS Volcano Observatories in 2020: Past 10 Years; The Future

Talk by Tina Neal–USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory geologist and former USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge. Talk originally presented at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2020.

Talk by Tina Neal–USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory geologist and former USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge. Talk originally presented at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2020.

Lava Flow Forecasting and Remote Sensing During 2018 Kīlauea Eruption
Lava Flow Forecasting and Remote Sensing During 2018 Kīlauea Eruption
Lava Flow Forecasting and Remote Sensing During 2018 Kīlauea Eruption

Talk by Hannah Dietterich–Alaska Volcano Observatory geologist. Talk originally presented at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2020.

Talk by Hannah Dietterich–Alaska Volcano Observatory geologist. Talk originally presented at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2020.

Largest Gravity Changes Ever Recorded: 2018 Kīlauea Eruption
Largest Gravity Changes Ever Recorded: 2018 Kīlauea Eruption
Largest Gravity Changes Ever Recorded: 2018 Kīlauea Eruption

The largest gravity changes ever recorded: Continuous gravity monitoring of the onset of Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption Talk by Mike Poland–USGS Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge and former USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist.

The largest gravity changes ever recorded: Continuous gravity monitoring of the onset of Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption Talk by Mike Poland–USGS Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge and former USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist.

La encrucijada del fuego silvestre
La encrucijada del fuego silvestre
La encrucijada del fuego silvestre

La relación entre la gente y los incendios forestales siempre ha sido paradójica: el fuego es esencial como proceso ecológico y herramienta de gestión, pero también puede ser perjudicial para la vida y la propiedad.

La relación entre la gente y los incendios forestales siempre ha sido paradójica: el fuego es esencial como proceso ecológico y herramienta de gestión, pero también puede ser perjudicial para la vida y la propiedad.

Wildfire at the Crossroads
Wildfire at the Crossroads
Wildfire at the Crossroads

The relationship between people and wildfire has always been paradoxical: fire is an essential ecological process and management tool but can also be detrimental to life and property. Consequently, fire regimes have been modified throughout history through both intentional burning to promote benefits and active suppression to reduce risks.

The relationship between people and wildfire has always been paradoxical: fire is an essential ecological process and management tool but can also be detrimental to life and property. Consequently, fire regimes have been modified throughout history through both intentional burning to promote benefits and active suppression to reduce risks.

Fly By of Jezero Crater and SIM 3464
Fly By of Jezero Crater and SIM 3464
Fly By of Jezero Crater and SIM 3464

This video animates the 1:75,000 scale geologic map of Jezero crater, Mars, which is the landing site for the Mars 2020 mission and Perseverance rover, scheduled to land in February, 2021.

This video animates the 1:75,000 scale geologic map of Jezero crater, Mars, which is the landing site for the Mars 2020 mission and Perseverance rover, scheduled to land in February, 2021.