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

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Color map of lava lake temperature
August 4, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
August 4, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
August 4, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) flights on August 4, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) flights on August 4, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Color map of lava lake temperature
August 4, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
August 4, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps
August 4, 2022—Kīlauea summit UAS thermal maps

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) flights on August 4, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) flights on August 4, 2022, allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The active lake surface is limited to the western portion of the crater.

Color photograph of volcanic eruption
Aerial view of the 2022 eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
Aerial view of the 2022 eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
Aerial view of the 2022 eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

An aerial view of the recent eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, taken during an eruption surveillance flight. Lava erupts from the fissure on the northern edge of the 2021 eruption flow field (black lava in upper right). The blue-tinged volcanic gas emissions are one of the main hazards associated with this eruption.

An aerial view of the recent eruption on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, taken during an eruption surveillance flight. Lava erupts from the fissure on the northern edge of the 2021 eruption flow field (black lava in upper right). The blue-tinged volcanic gas emissions are one of the main hazards associated with this eruption.

Color plot of earthquake counts over time
Ta'ū seismicity detected from Wake Island
Ta'ū seismicity detected from Wake Island
Ta'ū seismicity detected from Wake Island

Earthquakes in oceanic environments can generate pressure waves that travel long distances within the ocean itself. Much like seismographs record ground shaking, this energy is recorded by submerged hydrophones measuring pressure changes in water.

Earthquakes in oceanic environments can generate pressure waves that travel long distances within the ocean itself. Much like seismographs record ground shaking, this energy is recorded by submerged hydrophones measuring pressure changes in water.

Color photograph of lava lake
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues

Telephoto view of the active lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. During an eruption monitoring shift on July 29, 2022, spattering was observed along the eastern margin of the active lake. Additionally, crustal plates (darker pieces within the silvery active lava lake) were observed forming and breaking apart. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Telephoto view of the active lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. During an eruption monitoring shift on July 29, 2022, spattering was observed along the eastern margin of the active lake. Additionally, crustal plates (darker pieces within the silvery active lava lake) were observed forming and breaking apart. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Color photograph of crater floor and lava lake
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues

Photo of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken on July 29, 2022, from the southwest rim. Abundant fumes can be seen coming from the west vent, on the far left side of the photo. The west vent continues to feed the active lava lake, which is the silver-colored area to the east (right) of the west vent. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Photo of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, taken on July 29, 2022, from the southwest rim. Abundant fumes can be seen coming from the west vent, on the far left side of the photo. The west vent continues to feed the active lava lake, which is the silver-colored area to the east (right) of the west vent. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Color photograph of volcanic vent
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues
July 29, 2022 — Kīlauea Summit Eruption Continues

Telephoto view of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, on July 29, 2022. Two small areas of incandescent orange glow can be seen on the south side of the cone. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Telephoto view of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, on July 29, 2022. Two small areas of incandescent orange glow can be seen on the south side of the cone. USGS photo by J.M. Chang.

Color photograph of helicopter survey in caldera
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022

The Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop were visible within Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022, from the eruption-viewing area near Keanakāko‘i crater, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo/J.Wei 

The Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop were visible within Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022, from the eruption-viewing area near Keanakāko‘i crater, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo/J.Wei 

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022

Telephoto image of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey being flown over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. The South Sulphur Bank area is visible in the background of the image as a light-colored deposits on the left side. NPS Photo/J.Wei 

Telephoto image of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey being flown over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. The South Sulphur Bank area is visible in the background of the image as a light-colored deposits on the left side. NPS Photo/J.Wei 

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022

Telephoto image of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop flying over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022.

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022

Telephoto image of helicopter flying the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. The walls of Kīlauea caldera are visible in the background of the image. Photograph by Ray Crum.

Telephoto image of helicopter flying the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. The walls of Kīlauea caldera are visible in the background of the image. Photograph by Ray Crum.

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022

Telephoto image of the the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop flying over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. During the survey, which is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157), the helicopter flew about 150 feet above the ground. Photograph by Ray Crum. 

Telephoto image of the the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop flying over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. During the survey, which is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157), the helicopter flew about 150 feet above the ground. Photograph by Ray Crum. 

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022
Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022

Telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter flying over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. Photograph by Ray Crum. 

Telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter flying over Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. Photograph by Ray Crum. 

Color map of volcano
Map showing the location of the Wahapele vent and lava flow on Hualālai volcano
Map showing the location of the Wahapele vent and lava flow on Hualālai volcano
Map showing the location of the Wahapele vent and lava flow on Hualālai volcano

This map shows the location of the Wahapele vent (star) and lava flow (red) on Hualālai volcano. The approximate boundary between Hualālai and Mauna Loa is indicted by a dashed line. The lava flow extends 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) farther into the ocean.

This map shows the location of the Wahapele vent (star) and lava flow (red) on Hualālai volcano. The approximate boundary between Hualālai and Mauna Loa is indicted by a dashed line. The lava flow extends 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) farther into the ocean.

Color photograph helicopter survey over volcano
AEM Survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM Survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM Survey over Kīlauea summit

This morning, July 28, the USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory flew the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A helicopter flew about 120-175 ft above the ground in a grid-like pattern with a 40-ft horizontal loop suspended 35 ft below it.

This morning, July 28, the USGS-Hawaiian Volcano Observatory flew the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A helicopter flew about 120-175 ft above the ground in a grid-like pattern with a 40-ft horizontal loop suspended 35 ft below it.

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit

A view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—taken from Uēkahuna overlook in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The loop system below the helicopter transmits weak, low-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures the Earth response as well as passively detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.

A view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele—Kīlauea summit caldera—taken from Uēkahuna overlook in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The loop system below the helicopter transmits weak, low-frequency radio waves into the ground and measures the Earth response as well as passively detects variations in the Earth’s magnetic field.

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit

A telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on July 28, 2022. The helicopter and hoop are visible in the center of the image, surveying over the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera. This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.

A telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey over Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) on July 28, 2022. The helicopter and hoop are visible in the center of the image, surveying over the down-dropped block within Kīlauea caldera. This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit

Another telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey, taken as the helicopter traversed over Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, at Kīlauea summit. This photo was taken from Uēkahuna overlook within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and helicopter and loop are visible in the center left of the image.

Another telephoto view of the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey, taken as the helicopter traversed over Halema‘uma‘u crater floor, at Kīlauea summit. This photo was taken from Uēkahuna overlook within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and helicopter and loop are visible in the center left of the image.

Color photograph of helicopter survey over volcano
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit
AEM survey over Kīlauea summit

From the eruption-viewing area near Keanakāko‘i crater, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop were visible within Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. This survey, which is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.

From the eruption-viewing area near Keanakāko‘i crater, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Airborne Electromagnetic and Magnetic (AEM) survey helicopter and hoop were visible within Kīlauea caldera on July 28, 2022. This survey, which is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R.

Color map of eruption at summit of volcano
July 22, 2022—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
July 22, 2022—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map
July 22, 2022—Kīlauea summit eruption reference map

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on July 22, 2022. One eruptive vent (orange) is active within Halema‘uma‘u, on the western side of the crater floor. An adjacent pond (purple) is feeding lava to a larger lake (red) via a crusted-over tube. The eruption statistics provided here are current as of the last HVO overflight on July 19, 2022.

This reference map depicts the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption on July 22, 2022. One eruptive vent (orange) is active within Halema‘uma‘u, on the western side of the crater floor. An adjacent pond (purple) is feeding lava to a larger lake (red) via a crusted-over tube. The eruption statistics provided here are current as of the last HVO overflight on July 19, 2022.

Color photographs of scientist
HVO geologist Frank Trusdell
HVO geologist Frank Trusdell
HVO geologist Frank Trusdell

HVO geologist Frank Trusdell collects a sample of lava from the fissure 8 channel during Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone eruption in July 2018 (A. Hara). Inset photo shows Trusdell presenting an update on Mauna Loa for a West Hawaii Community Forum in February 2018 (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today).  

HVO geologist Frank Trusdell collects a sample of lava from the fissure 8 channel during Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone eruption in July 2018 (A. Hara). Inset photo shows Trusdell presenting an update on Mauna Loa for a West Hawaii Community Forum in February 2018 (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today).