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Hawaiian Volcano Observatory images of eruptive activity, field work, and more.

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Color photograph of volcano monitoring station
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone

Energy from solar panels at the KPcam site is stored in large batteries, which power the camera. Images captured by the camera are relayed, via an antenna, back to the observatory. USGS image by M. Warren.

Energy from solar panels at the KPcam site is stored in large batteries, which power the camera. Images captured by the camera are relayed, via an antenna, back to the observatory. USGS image by M. Warren.

Color photograph of field engineer servicing a webcam station
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone

An HVO physical science technician checks the wiring on the new webcam, attached to the top of the mast, that looks towards the summit and Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

An HVO physical science technician checks the wiring on the new webcam, attached to the top of the mast, that looks towards the summit and Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color photograph of scientist installing webcam on mast
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone

An HVO geologist attaches the upgraded KPcam to the mast. Like all HVO webcams, the KPcam is in box that protects it against the weather and elements. USGS photo by M. Warren.

An HVO geologist attaches the upgraded KPcam to the mast. Like all HVO webcams, the KPcam is in box that protects it against the weather and elements. USGS photo by M. Warren.

Color photograph of field engineer adjusting volcano monitoring equipment
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone

An HVO field engineer adjusts the view of the upgraded KPcam, which is fixed on a mast a couple meters (yards) above the ground surface. The camera is located on the south flank of Mauna Loa, at an elevation of about 2,000 meters (6,700 feet) above sea level, and provides expansive views to the southeast of Kīlauea. USGS photo by M. Warren.

An HVO field engineer adjusts the view of the upgraded KPcam, which is fixed on a mast a couple meters (yards) above the ground surface. The camera is located on the south flank of Mauna Loa, at an elevation of about 2,000 meters (6,700 feet) above sea level, and provides expansive views to the southeast of Kīlauea. USGS photo by M. Warren.

Color photograph of field engineers installing webcam
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone
June 25, 2024 — Webcam upgrade for Kīlauea summit and Southwest Rift Zone

The KPcam, a webcam on the flank of Mauna Loa that looks south towards Kīlauea summit and the Southwest Rift Zone, was upgraded on June 25 by HVO staff. The new webcam will provide a higher quality image and slightly wider field of view. This photo shows HVO physical science technicians removing the old webcam. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

The KPcam, a webcam on the flank of Mauna Loa that looks south towards Kīlauea summit and the Southwest Rift Zone, was upgraded on June 25 by HVO staff. The new webcam will provide a higher quality image and slightly wider field of view. This photo shows HVO physical science technicians removing the old webcam. USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Color image showing deformation at summit of volcano
June 13, 2024—InSAR image of deformation following Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 13, 2024—InSAR image of deformation following Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 13, 2024—InSAR image of deformation following Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption

This map shows deformation following the recent eruption at Kīlauea on June 3, 2024.  It covers from June 6 to June 13, 2024, and is recorded by the Italian Space Agency's (ASI) Cosmo-SkyMED satellite. Colored fringes denote areas of ground deformation, with more fringes indicating more deformation.  Each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of

This map shows deformation following the recent eruption at Kīlauea on June 3, 2024.  It covers from June 6 to June 13, 2024, and is recorded by the Italian Space Agency's (ASI) Cosmo-SkyMED satellite. Colored fringes denote areas of ground deformation, with more fringes indicating more deformation.  Each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of

Colorful maps of showing the locations of earthquake activity over time
Clusters of earthquakes at Kīlauea during April, May, and June 2024
Clusters of earthquakes at Kīlauea during April, May, and June 2024
Clusters of earthquakes at Kīlauea during April, May, and June 2024

The two distinct clusters of earthquakes at Kīlauea during the four recent time periods of swarm activity. The event counts at the south caldera cluster increase while the counts at the upper East Rift Zone cluster diminish from the first to the fourth time periods.

The two distinct clusters of earthquakes at Kīlauea during the four recent time periods of swarm activity. The event counts at the south caldera cluster increase while the counts at the upper East Rift Zone cluster diminish from the first to the fourth time periods.

Color map showing ground deformation on volcano
June 6, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 6, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 6, 2024—InSAR image of deformation during Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption

This map shows recent deformation spanning the recent eruption at Kīlauea.  It covers from May 28 to June 6, 2024, and is recorded by the Italian Space Agency's (ASI) Cosmo-SkyMED satellite. Colored fringes denote areas of ground deformation, with more fringes indicating more deformation.  Each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of ground mot

This map shows recent deformation spanning the recent eruption at Kīlauea.  It covers from May 28 to June 6, 2024, and is recorded by the Italian Space Agency's (ASI) Cosmo-SkyMED satellite. Colored fringes denote areas of ground deformation, with more fringes indicating more deformation.  Each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of ground mot

Color map of recent lava flows
June 6, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 6, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 6, 2024 — Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption

This reference map depicts the June 3, 2024, eruption along Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone. The lava flows are shown in pink, covering about 99 acres (40 hectares); this number represents a slight increase from that reported Monday, June 3, due to minor flow expansion in the hours following that morning's helicopter overflight.

This reference map depicts the June 3, 2024, eruption along Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone. The lava flows are shown in pink, covering about 99 acres (40 hectares); this number represents a slight increase from that reported Monday, June 3, due to minor flow expansion in the hours following that morning's helicopter overflight.

Color photograph of gound cracks on ash covered surface
June 6, 2024 — Cracks formed around recent Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption fissures
June 6, 2024 — Cracks formed around recent Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption fissures
June 6, 2024 — Cracks formed around recent Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption fissures

During an overflight at approximately 8:15 a.m. HST on June 6, 2024, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed the extensive crack features on either side of the now inactive fissures from the June 3 Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption. Cracks range in length and are parallel to the fissure system. USGS photo by A.R. Nalesnik. 

During an overflight at approximately 8:15 a.m. HST on June 6, 2024, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed the extensive crack features on either side of the now inactive fissures from the June 3 Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption. Cracks range in length and are parallel to the fissure system. USGS photo by A.R. Nalesnik. 

Color photograph of fresh lava flows
June 6, 2024 — Lava flows that formed during the recent Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 6, 2024 — Lava flows that formed during the recent Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption
June 6, 2024 — Lava flows that formed during the recent Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption

During the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption on June 3, fissures 3 and 4—located farther to the southwest than fissures 1 and 1— erupted the larger volumes of lava and continue to exhibit elevated gas emissions.

During the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption on June 3, fissures 3 and 4—located farther to the southwest than fissures 1 and 1— erupted the larger volumes of lava and continue to exhibit elevated gas emissions.

Color photograph of ground cracks
June 6, 2024 — Cracks formed around recent Kīlauea eruption site
June 6, 2024 — Cracks formed around recent Kīlauea eruption site
June 6, 2024 — Cracks formed around recent Kīlauea eruption site

In addition to elevated volcanic gas emissions, other significant hazards also remain around the recent eruption site on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea.

In addition to elevated volcanic gas emissions, other significant hazards also remain around the recent eruption site on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea.

Color photograph of lava flow and volcanic gas
June 6, 2024 — Aerial overview of inactive Fissures 3 and 4 on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea
June 6, 2024 — Aerial overview of inactive Fissures 3 and 4 on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea
June 6, 2024 — Aerial overview of inactive Fissures 3 and 4 on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea

Aerial overview of fissures 3 and 4 of the now paused Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption that began on June 3, 2024. During an overflight at approximately 8:15 a.m. HST on June 6, 2024, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed persistent gas emissions and no active lava. USGS Image by A.R. Nalesnik.

Aerial overview of fissures 3 and 4 of the now paused Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone eruption that began on June 3, 2024. During an overflight at approximately 8:15 a.m. HST on June 6, 2024, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed persistent gas emissions and no active lava. USGS Image by A.R. Nalesnik.

Color photograph of lava flows from fissure
June 6, 2024 — Fissures of the recent Kīlauea Soutwest Rift Zone eruption
June 6, 2024 — Fissures of the recent Kīlauea Soutwest Rift Zone eruption
June 6, 2024 — Fissures of the recent Kīlauea Soutwest Rift Zone eruption

During the June 3, 2024, Southwest Rift Zone eruption, Fissures 1 and 2 (pictured here) had low erupted volumes compared to fissures 3 and 4. Fissures 1 and 2 were located closer to Kalupele (Kīlauea summit caldera), whereas fissures 3 and 4 are on the southwest section of the fissure system. USGS Image by A.R. Nalesnik.

During the June 3, 2024, Southwest Rift Zone eruption, Fissures 1 and 2 (pictured here) had low erupted volumes compared to fissures 3 and 4. Fissures 1 and 2 were located closer to Kalupele (Kīlauea summit caldera), whereas fissures 3 and 4 are on the southwest section of the fissure system. USGS Image by A.R. Nalesnik.

Color photograph of seismometer buried in the ground
June 6, 2024 — New seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea
June 6, 2024 — New seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea
June 6, 2024 — New seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea

The new seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea being buried in the ground, with permission from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This photo was taken before the seismometer was totally buried.

The new seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea being buried in the ground, with permission from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This photo was taken before the seismometer was totally buried.

Color photograph of seismometer buried in the ground
June 6, 2024 — New seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea
June 6, 2024 — New seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea
June 6, 2024 — New seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea

The new seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea being buried in the ground, with permission from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This photo was taken before the seismometer was totally buried.

The new seismometer at station KOSM on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea being buried in the ground, with permission from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This photo was taken before the seismometer was totally buried.

Color photograph of field engineers installing new instrumentation
June 6, 2024 — Installing a new seismometer on Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone
June 6, 2024 — Installing a new seismometer on Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone
June 6, 2024 — Installing a new seismometer on Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone

On June 6, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineers installed a new seismometer on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea to monitor earthquakes. The new seismic station is co-located at an existing monitoring station consisting of a GPS and high-resolution gas monitoring equipment.

On June 6, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineers installed a new seismometer on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea to monitor earthquakes. The new seismic station is co-located at an existing monitoring station consisting of a GPS and high-resolution gas monitoring equipment.

Color photograph of powdered rock sample
June 3, 2024 — Analyzing spatter from the recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
June 3, 2024 — Analyzing spatter from the recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
June 3, 2024 — Analyzing spatter from the recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

The recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea produced small volumes of lava, and fountains left volcanic spatter on top of and beyond the extent of the newly erupted flows. The collected pieces of spatter range in size up to 4 inches (1 to 10 centimeters). USGS image by A.R. Nalesnik.

The recent Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea produced small volumes of lava, and fountains left volcanic spatter on top of and beyond the extent of the newly erupted flows. The collected pieces of spatter range in size up to 4 inches (1 to 10 centimeters). USGS image by A.R. Nalesnik.

Color photograph of field engineer at distant volcano monitoring station
June 6, 2024 — HVO field engineers visit KOSM station on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea
June 6, 2024 — HVO field engineers visit KOSM station on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea
June 6, 2024 — HVO field engineers visit KOSM station on the Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineers visited the KOSM GPS station on June 6, 2024, to install a new seismic sensor, with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The KOSM station is located southwest of the now inactive fissure 4 of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea (the southwest-most fissure). USGS image by A.R. Nalesnik.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field engineers visited the KOSM GPS station on June 6, 2024, to install a new seismic sensor, with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The KOSM station is located southwest of the now inactive fissure 4 of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea (the southwest-most fissure). USGS image by A.R. Nalesnik.

Color photograph of field engineers at volcano monitoring station
June 6, 2024 — Adding a new seismic station to Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone
June 6, 2024 — Adding a new seismic station to Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone
June 6, 2024 — Adding a new seismic station to Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone

At the KOSM GPS located station on the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, HVO field engineers installed a new seismic sensor, with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS image by M. Warren on June 6, 2024.

At the KOSM GPS located station on the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, HVO field engineers installed a new seismic sensor, with permission from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. USGS image by M. Warren on June 6, 2024.

Color photograph of scientist examining rock sample
June 4, 2024 — Examining young lava rocks erupted by Kīlauea on June 3
June 4, 2024 — Examining young lava rocks erupted by Kīlauea on June 3
June 4, 2024 — Examining young lava rocks erupted by Kīlauea on June 3

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the now inactive fissures that formed on June 3rd on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea. Looking through a hand lens, geologists recognize the abundance of olivine ranging from 1-3 mm (about 0.1 inch) in size in the spatter samples.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists visited the now inactive fissures that formed on June 3rd on the upper Southwest Rift Zone of Kīlauea. Looking through a hand lens, geologists recognize the abundance of olivine ranging from 1-3 mm (about 0.1 inch) in size in the spatter samples.