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

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Color photograph of crater wall
April 21, 2023 — Geologist surveys newly exposed lavas and tephra in the wall of Kīlauea caldera
April 21, 2023 — Geologist surveys newly exposed lavas and tephra in the wall of Kīlauea caldera
April 21, 2023 — Geologist surveys newly exposed lavas and tephra in the wall of Kīlauea caldera

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists documented newly exposed lava flows and tephra layers in the northwest wall of Kīlauea caldera during a field visit the morning of April 21, 2023.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists documented newly exposed lava flows and tephra layers in the northwest wall of Kīlauea caldera during a field visit the morning of April 21, 2023.

Color photograph of crater wall
April 21, 2023 — Geologists survey exposed lavas and tephra in the wall of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)
April 21, 2023 — Geologists survey exposed lavas and tephra in the wall of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)
April 21, 2023 — Geologists survey exposed lavas and tephra in the wall of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)

Three orange-clad geologists from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory can be seen in this image (in orange, near center of image). During a visit to Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning of April 21, 2023, the geologists collected tephra samples from the Uēkahuna bluff along the northern wall of Kīlauea's summit caldera.

Three orange-clad geologists from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory can be seen in this image (in orange, near center of image). During a visit to Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning of April 21, 2023, the geologists collected tephra samples from the Uēkahuna bluff along the northern wall of Kīlauea's summit caldera.

Color photograph of crater floor
April 21, 2023 — A view along the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater in Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)
April 21, 2023 — A view along the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater in Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)
April 21, 2023 — A view along the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater in Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)

A morning view of the floor of Halema‘uma‘u, captured by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists during a sampling mission on April 21, 2023. Although the volcano was not erupting when this image was taken, a wispy plume can still be seen rising from the crater floor.

A morning view of the floor of Halema‘uma‘u, captured by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists during a sampling mission on April 21, 2023. Although the volcano was not erupting when this image was taken, a wispy plume can still be seen rising from the crater floor.

Geologist standing on floor of crater
April 21, 2023 — HVO Geologist on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater, in Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)
April 21, 2023 — HVO Geologist on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater, in Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)
April 21, 2023 — HVO Geologist on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater, in Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera)

A geologist from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) selects a sampling site on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater during the morning of April 21, 2023. The geologist is standing near the eastern rim of the lava lake that was active in the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater during the January–March, 2023, eruption.

A geologist from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) selects a sampling site on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u crater during the morning of April 21, 2023. The geologist is standing near the eastern rim of the lava lake that was active in the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater during the January–March, 2023, eruption.

Color map of volcano summit and eruption products
Map of the Mauna Loa summit region, showing caldera faults and 2022 eruption features
Map of the Mauna Loa summit region, showing caldera faults and 2022 eruption features
Map of the Mauna Loa summit region, showing caldera faults and 2022 eruption features

Map of the Mauna Loa 2022 eruptive fissures, shown as red lines. Red shaded area indicates lava flows produced during the eruption, around the fissure vent areas. Solid white line indicates mapped outer caldera boundary. White dotted line indicates inferred outer caldera boundary that is buried by historic Mauna Loa lava flows. Fissures on map were documented by C.

Map of the Mauna Loa 2022 eruptive fissures, shown as red lines. Red shaded area indicates lava flows produced during the eruption, around the fissure vent areas. Solid white line indicates mapped outer caldera boundary. White dotted line indicates inferred outer caldera boundary that is buried by historic Mauna Loa lava flows. Fissures on map were documented by C.

Color photograph of scientist setting up equipment in the field
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Hiʻiaka Crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Hiʻiaka Crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Hiʻiaka Crater

A USGS scientist checks the location to deploy a seismic node within Hiʻiaka Crater, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The station is one of 1,800 that will collect data for the next two months.

A USGS scientist checks the location to deploy a seismic node within Hiʻiaka Crater, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The station is one of 1,800 that will collect data for the next two months.

Color photograph of scientist setting up equipment in the field
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater

A USGS scientist installs a seismic node within Pauahi Crater, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The station is one of 1,800 that will collect data for the next two months.

A USGS scientist installs a seismic node within Pauahi Crater, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The station is one of 1,800 that will collect data for the next two months.

Color photograph of scientist setting up equipment in the field
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater

A USGS scientist checks the location of the seismic node being installed within Pauahi Crater, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has a permanent monitoring network of several seismometers at the summit of Kīlauea that detect natural earthquakes, but more sei

A USGS scientist checks the location of the seismic node being installed within Pauahi Crater, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has a permanent monitoring network of several seismometers at the summit of Kīlauea that detect natural earthquakes, but more sei

Color photograph of scientist hiking in crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater
April 18, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment in Pauahi Crater

A USGS scientist hikes into Pauahi Crater, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, to deploy seismic nodes for the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The floor of Pauahi Crater is covered by lava that flowed into the crater during a Kīlauea East Rift Zone eruption in November 1979. USGS image by M. Patrick.

A USGS scientist hikes into Pauahi Crater, in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, to deploy seismic nodes for the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The floor of Pauahi Crater is covered by lava that flowed into the crater during a Kīlauea East Rift Zone eruption in November 1979. USGS image by M. Patrick.

Color photograph scientific equipment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Equipment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Equipment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Equipment

Seismic nodes are prepared to be deployed to Kīlauea summit on April 17 as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The nodes will be temporarily placed on the surface of Kīlauea's summit region for the next two months and will collect data that will outline the geometry and nature of the magma system beneath Kīlauea summit. USGS image by S. Brantley.

Seismic nodes are prepared to be deployed to Kīlauea summit on April 17 as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project. The nodes will be temporarily placed on the surface of Kīlauea's summit region for the next two months and will collect data that will outline the geometry and nature of the magma system beneath Kīlauea summit. USGS image by S. Brantley.

Color photograph scientific equipment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Equipment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Equipment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Equipment

A cache of seismic nodes (small earthquake-detecting devices) on Kīlauea caldera floor, which Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists deployed on April 17.

A cache of seismic nodes (small earthquake-detecting devices) on Kīlauea caldera floor, which Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists deployed on April 17.

Color photograph of scientist in the field with equipment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist in front of seismic nodes that will be deployed across Kīlauea summit as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project.

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist in front of seismic nodes that will be deployed across Kīlauea summit as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project.

Color photograph of scientist in the field with equipment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist deploys one of 1,800 temporary seismic node stations that will be collecting data for the next two months in Kīlauea summit region.

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist deploys one of 1,800 temporary seismic node stations that will be collecting data for the next two months in Kīlauea summit region.

Color photograph of scientist setting up equipment in the field
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Node Deployment

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist uses a compass to check the orientation of a seismic node (blue) that was deployed on Kīlauea's summit caldera floor on April 17, 2023. The station is one of 1,800 that will collect data for the next two months.

A Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist uses a compass to check the orientation of a seismic node (blue) that was deployed on Kīlauea's summit caldera floor on April 17, 2023. The station is one of 1,800 that will collect data for the next two months.

Color photograph of scientists and helicopter
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Begins
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Begins
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Begins

A clear view across Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on April 17, 2023, taken from Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge) on Crater Rim Trail in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

A clear view across Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on April 17, 2023, taken from Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge) on Crater Rim Trail in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Color photograph of scientists and helicopter
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Begins
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Begins
April 17, 2023 — Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project Begins

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory deployed caches of seismic node instruments via helicopter around Kīlauea summit yesterday, April 17. Seismic nodes are small earthquake-detecting devices and 1,800 of them are being placed across Kīlauea summit for the next two months as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project.

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory deployed caches of seismic node instruments via helicopter around Kīlauea summit yesterday, April 17. Seismic nodes are small earthquake-detecting devices and 1,800 of them are being placed across Kīlauea summit for the next two months as part of the Kīlauea Seismic Imaging Project.

Color graphic showing volcano deformation and seismicity
Sentinel-1 SAR satellite data showing change over Kruzof Island from August 2018 through April 15, 2023
Sentinel-1 SAR satellite data showing change over Kruzof Island from August 2018 through April 15, 2023
Sentinel-1 SAR satellite data showing change over Kruzof Island from August 2018 through April 15, 2023

Sentinel-1 SAR satellite data analyzed with the Alaska Satellite Facility's Hyp3 was used to create a timeseries of change over Kruzof Island for August 2018 through April 15, 2023.

Sentinel-1 SAR satellite data analyzed with the Alaska Satellite Facility's Hyp3 was used to create a timeseries of change over Kruzof Island for August 2018 through April 15, 2023.

Color photograph of caldera
April 14, 2023 — Clear skies at Kīlauea summit
April 14, 2023 — Clear skies at Kīlauea summit
April 14, 2023 — Clear skies at Kīlauea summit

During a morning visit to Halema‘uma‘u rim on April 14, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists had clear views across Kīlauea summit caldera. Kīlauea stopped erupting on March 7; currently, only steam and minor gas emissions are being emitted at the summit. USGS image by K. Mulliken.

During a morning visit to Halema‘uma‘u rim on April 14, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists had clear views across Kīlauea summit caldera. Kīlauea stopped erupting on March 7; currently, only steam and minor gas emissions are being emitted at the summit. USGS image by K. Mulliken.

Color photograph of crater floor
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea

A view from the west rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning of April 14, 2023. In the foreground, the brown-colored island of tephra that formed in the early parts of the December 2020 eruption is clearly visible.

A view from the west rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater the morning of April 14, 2023. In the foreground, the brown-colored island of tephra that formed in the early parts of the December 2020 eruption is clearly visible.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea

The west vent area within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, viewed from the west rim of the crater. This vent was active during the September 2021-December 2022 eruption. An area near the west vent has persistently elevated temperatures visible in the F1 thermal cam, despite no active lava being visible for the past month.

The west vent area within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, viewed from the west rim of the crater. This vent was active during the September 2021-December 2022 eruption. An area near the west vent has persistently elevated temperatures visible in the F1 thermal cam, despite no active lava being visible for the past month.

Color photograph of crater floor
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea
April 14, 2023 — Kīlauea

The lava lake basin that formed during the September 2021-December 2022 eruption was steaming the morning of April 14, 2023. This lava lake formed in the western half of Halema‘uma‘u crater and is part of a tapestry of deposits that have formed during different Kīlauea summit eruptions over the past several years. USGS image by K. Mulliken.

The lava lake basin that formed during the September 2021-December 2022 eruption was steaming the morning of April 14, 2023. This lava lake formed in the western half of Halema‘uma‘u crater and is part of a tapestry of deposits that have formed during different Kīlauea summit eruptions over the past several years. USGS image by K. Mulliken.