Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Images

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

Filter Total Items: 2879
Color photograph of lava lake
Close-up view of remaining lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, May 18, 2021
Close-up view of remaining lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, May 18, 2021
Close-up view of remaining lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, May 18, 2021

This close-up view of the of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea was captured on Tuesday, May 18. During an approximately one-hour visit to the crater rim, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists' only observation of active lava was the crustal foundering event captured here, which lasted approximately five minutes.

This close-up view of the of the Halema‘uma‘u lava lake at the summit of Kīlauea was captured on Tuesday, May 18. During an approximately one-hour visit to the crater rim, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists' only observation of active lava was the crustal foundering event captured here, which lasted approximately five minutes.

Color photograph of caldera
Routine visit to Mauna Loa summit
Routine visit to Mauna Loa summit
Routine visit to Mauna Loa summit

On May 15, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists did a routine hike to the summit of Mauna Loa and inspected summit monitoring equipment. Clear weather provided good views across the floor of Moku‘āweoweo, Mauna Loa's summit caldera, and nothing unusual was observed.

On May 15, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists did a routine hike to the summit of Mauna Loa and inspected summit monitoring equipment. Clear weather provided good views across the floor of Moku‘āweoweo, Mauna Loa's summit caldera, and nothing unusual was observed.

Color photograph of caldera
Routine visit to Mauna Loa summit
Routine visit to Mauna Loa summit
Routine visit to Mauna Loa summit

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist inspects the thermal camera at the summit of Mauna Loa on May 15, 2021.

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist inspects the thermal camera at the summit of Mauna Loa on May 15, 2021.

The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active
View of the active lava lake area in Halema‘uma‘u—Kīlauea, May 14
View of the active lava lake area in Halema‘uma‘u—Kīlauea, May 14
View of the active lava lake area in Halema‘uma‘u—Kīlauea, May 14

The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active, although surface incandescence (glowing red lava) has become less frequent over the last few days. In this view looking northwest, two elongated lobes oriented west (left) to east (right) with a relatively smooth shiny grey surface are visible in the center of the photo.

The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active, although surface incandescence (glowing red lava) has become less frequent over the last few days. In this view looking northwest, two elongated lobes oriented west (left) to east (right) with a relatively smooth shiny grey surface are visible in the center of the photo.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight of Kīlauea's summit on the morning of May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight of Kīlauea's summit on the morning of May 13. Though no incandescence was visible during the overflight, field crews monitoring the ongoing eruption in Halema‘uma‘u from the ground observed a small amount of fluid lava on the surface later in the day.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists conducted an overflight of Kīlauea's summit on the morning of May 13. Though no incandescence was visible during the overflight, field crews monitoring the ongoing eruption in Halema‘uma‘u from the ground observed a small amount of fluid lava on the surface later in the day.

More of Kīlauea's lava lake surface in Halema‘uma‘u crater has solidified in recent weeks, evident in this May 13 aerial view
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13

More of Kīlauea's lava lake surface in Halema‘uma‘u crater has solidified in recent weeks, as is evident in this aerial view taken yesterday, May 13. However, gas emissions and small patches of active lava on the surface indicate that the eruption continues. Most recently, gas emissions were measured as 225 tonnes per day on May 12.

More of Kīlauea's lava lake surface in Halema‘uma‘u crater has solidified in recent weeks, as is evident in this aerial view taken yesterday, May 13. However, gas emissions and small patches of active lava on the surface indicate that the eruption continues. Most recently, gas emissions were measured as 225 tonnes per day on May 12.

A low, oblique aerial view of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea's summit
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13

A low, oblique aerial view of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea's summit (upper right) taken during an overflight on May 13. The area of active lava has slowly been decreasing in recent weeks, but not all of the lava lake surface has stagnated. Portions of the lake surface continue to resurface via a process called foundering.

A low, oblique aerial view of the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u at Kīlauea's summit (upper right) taken during an overflight on May 13. The area of active lava has slowly been decreasing in recent weeks, but not all of the lava lake surface has stagnated. Portions of the lake surface continue to resurface via a process called foundering.

Near Kīlauea Visitor Center, the Ha‘akulamanu trail within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park passes through the Sulphur Banks area
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13
Kīlauea summit overflight - May 13

Near Kīlauea Visitor Center, the Ha‘akulamanu trail within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park passes through the Sulphur Banks area.

Near Kīlauea Visitor Center, the Ha‘akulamanu trail within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park passes through the Sulphur Banks area.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed fluid lava on the surface of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed fluid lava on the surface of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, while monitoring the eruption on May 13. Two areas of ponded lava exhibited foundering, during which more-dense solidified crust sinks into the lava lake and is replaced by less-dense liquid lava from below.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists observed fluid lava on the surface of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, while monitoring the eruption on May 13. Two areas of ponded lava exhibited foundering, during which more-dense solidified crust sinks into the lava lake and is replaced by less-dense liquid lava from below.

The area of solidified crust at the surface of Halema‘uma‘u's lava lake, has been growing over the past several weeks
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021

The area of solidified crust at the surface of Halema‘uma‘u's lava lake, at the summit of Kīlauea, has been growing over the past several weeks. This may make it seem that the eruption is over but lava continues to be supplied to the lava lake from below.

The area of solidified crust at the surface of Halema‘uma‘u's lava lake, at the summit of Kīlauea, has been growing over the past several weeks. This may make it seem that the eruption is over but lava continues to be supplied to the lava lake from below.

The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, Kīlauea summit eruption—May 13, 2021

The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues. Gas emissions, last measured on May 12, were 225 tonnes per day. This photo, taken on May 13, shows the bluish-tinged plume of volcanic gas being emitted from the western vent complex within Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by K. Mulliken.

The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea, continues. Gas emissions, last measured on May 12, were 225 tonnes per day. This photo, taken on May 13, shows the bluish-tinged plume of volcanic gas being emitted from the western vent complex within Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by K. Mulliken.

Digital elevation model of crater and lava lake
Halema‘uma‘u DEM May 13, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u DEM May 13, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u DEM May 13, 2021

A helicopter overflight on May 13, 2021, at approximately 11:30 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. The visual images were used to create a digital elevation model (DEM) of the crater, shown here.

A helicopter overflight on May 13, 2021, at approximately 11:30 a.m. HST allowed for aerial visual and thermal imagery to be collected of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. The visual images were used to create a digital elevation model (DEM) of the crater, shown here.

A wide view of Halema‘uma‘u from the western crater rim, at the summit of Kīlauea
Halema‘uma‘u eruption activity on May 12, 2021 — Kīlauea summit
Halema‘uma‘u eruption activity on May 12, 2021 — Kīlauea summit
Halema‘uma‘u eruption activity on May 12, 2021 — Kīlauea summit

A wide view of Halema‘uma‘u from the western crater rim, at the summit of Kīlauea. The west vent (lower left) continues to supply lava into the lake through a submerged inlet. Much of the western active lava lake surface has crusted over in the last few weeks as the effusion rate remains low. USGS photograph taken by D. Downs on May 12, 2021.

A wide view of Halema‘uma‘u from the western crater rim, at the summit of Kīlauea. The west vent (lower left) continues to supply lava into the lake through a submerged inlet. Much of the western active lava lake surface has crusted over in the last few weeks as the effusion rate remains low. USGS photograph taken by D. Downs on May 12, 2021.

A close up view of the western portion of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit
Halema‘uma‘u eruption activity on May 12, 2021 — Kīlauea summit
Halema‘uma‘u eruption activity on May 12, 2021 — Kīlauea summit
Halema‘uma‘u eruption activity on May 12, 2021 — Kīlauea summit

A close up view of the western portion of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. A weak gas plume is emitted from the western fissure vent (left), with the most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measured at 150 tonnes per day on May 11. USGS photograph taken by D. Downs on May 12, 2021 from the west rim of Halema‘uma‘u.

A close up view of the western portion of the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea summit. A weak gas plume is emitted from the western fissure vent (left), with the most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measured at 150 tonnes per day on May 11. USGS photograph taken by D. Downs on May 12, 2021 from the west rim of Halema‘uma‘u.

On the west side of Mauna Loa summit, a campaign GPS (center-right) measures its location for a period of 2–3 days
Mauna Loa campaign GPS survey—May 11, 2021
Mauna Loa campaign GPS survey—May 11, 2021
Mauna Loa campaign GPS survey—May 11, 2021

On the west side of Mauna Loa summit, a campaign GPS (center-right) measures its location for a period of 2–3 days. This site has been occupied every year by helicopter since 1994. Mauna Kea, Hualālai and Haleakalā can be seen in the distance. USGS photo taken by S.

On the west side of Mauna Loa summit, a campaign GPS (center-right) measures its location for a period of 2–3 days. This site has been occupied every year by helicopter since 1994. Mauna Kea, Hualālai and Haleakalā can be seen in the distance. USGS photo taken by S.

HVO geophysicists completed the annual high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of Mauna Loa
Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of Mauna Loa recently completed
Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of Mauna Loa recently completed
Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of Mauna Loa recently completed

Recently, HVO geophysicists completed the annual high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of Mauna Loa. The annual survey supplements HVO's continuous GPS monitoring stations and provides information on vertical and horizontal deformation of the ground surface.

Recently, HVO geophysicists completed the annual high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of Mauna Loa. The annual survey supplements HVO's continuous GPS monitoring stations and provides information on vertical and horizontal deformation of the ground surface.

During the annual Mauna Loa GPS campaign, 33 campaign stations are occupied with GPS instruments for days to weeks
Annual Mauna Loa GPS Survey—2021
Annual Mauna Loa GPS Survey—2021
Annual Mauna Loa GPS Survey—2021

During the annual Mauna Loa GPS campaign, 33 campaign stations are occupied with GPS instruments for days to weeks. The stations are spread across the flanks of the volcano and provide a synoptic picture of deformation on the volcano over the past year.

During the annual Mauna Loa GPS campaign, 33 campaign stations are occupied with GPS instruments for days to weeks. The stations are spread across the flanks of the volcano and provide a synoptic picture of deformation on the volcano over the past year.

GPS survey benchmark being occupied on Mauna Loa's north flank
Annual Mauna Loa GPS Survey—2021
Annual Mauna Loa GPS Survey—2021
Annual Mauna Loa GPS Survey—2021

Another GPS survey benchmark being occupied on Mauna Loa's north flank, with clear views of Mauna Kea in the background. The metal disk on the ground beneath the tripod is the benchmark, which is cemented to the lava flow surface.

Another GPS survey benchmark being occupied on Mauna Loa's north flank, with clear views of Mauna Kea in the background. The metal disk on the ground beneath the tripod is the benchmark, which is cemented to the lava flow surface.

Color map of lava lake at volcano summit
May 7, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption contour map
May 7, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption contour map
May 7, 2021—Kīlauea summit eruption contour map

This map of Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea shows 20 m (66 ft) contour lines (dark gray) that mark locations of equal elevation above sea level (asl). The map shows that the lava lake has filled 229 m (751 ft) of the crater, to an elevation of 746 m (2448 ft) asl since the eruption began on December 20, 2020.

This map of Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea shows 20 m (66 ft) contour lines (dark gray) that mark locations of equal elevation above sea level (asl). The map shows that the lava lake has filled 229 m (751 ft) of the crater, to an elevation of 746 m (2448 ft) asl since the eruption began on December 20, 2020.

Color photograph of lava lake
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u - Kīlauea, May 7 2021
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u - Kīlauea, May 7 2021
Lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u - Kīlauea, May 7 2021

The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active, as seen in this view looking northwest. The active surface lava area continues to decrease in size, and activity is weaker, with only occasional localized surface foundering.

The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active, as seen in this view looking northwest. The active surface lava area continues to decrease in size, and activity is weaker, with only occasional localized surface foundering.

Color photograph of lava lake
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, May 6, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, May 6, 2021
Halema‘uma‘u lava lake, May 6, 2021

View of the active surface lava in the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. The west vent (upper left) continues to erupt lava into the lava lake through an inlet near the base of the cone.

View of the active surface lava in the western portion of Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. The west vent (upper left) continues to erupt lava into the lava lake through an inlet near the base of the cone.