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Explore our planet through photography and imagery, including climate change and water all the way back to the 1800s when the USGS was surveying the country by horse and buggy.

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lava fountains inside the Kīlauea crater
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

lava inside Kīlauea crater
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

lava inside Kīlauea crater
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

lava fountains inside Kīlauea crater
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

lava fountains inside Kīlauea crater
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

lava fountains inside Kīlauea crater with rainbow over Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

lava fountains inside Kīlauea crater
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

The new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on September 10, 2023. After about an hour of increased seismic activity and uplift, HVO scientists observed the start of the eruption at approximately 3:15 p.m. HST.

lava fountains at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano
Eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano
Eruption at the summit of Kilauea volcano

An eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano began on September 10, 2023. The main fountain, which HVO geologists estimate is approximately 50 meters tall, is on the eastern margin of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. As of approximately 4:30 p.m.

An eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano began on September 10, 2023. The main fountain, which HVO geologists estimate is approximately 50 meters tall, is on the eastern margin of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. As of approximately 4:30 p.m.

A large herd of bison travel through an open field while the sun sets in the distance over the mountains.
Bison Field
Bison Field
Bison Field

A herd of bison strolls through an open meadow close to sunset in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

A herd of bison strolls through an open meadow close to sunset in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

A stream of water and steam erupts from a geyser while a rainbow crosses over top.
Castle Geyser
Castle Geyser
Castle Geyser

A view of Castle Geyser erupting as a rainbow rises out and over the eruption. Castle Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

A view of Castle Geyser erupting as a rainbow rises out and over the eruption. Castle Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Yellowish bacteria in water flows out of a blue colored hot spring in the shape of an ear.
Ear Spring
Ear Spring
Ear Spring

"Ear Spring is a truly hot spring, with surface water temperatures often above the boiling point of 198°F (92°C) at this elevation. True to its name, this pool is shaped somewhat like an ear." - NPS

"Ear Spring is a truly hot spring, with surface water temperatures often above the boiling point of 198°F (92°C) at this elevation. True to its name, this pool is shaped somewhat like an ear." - NPS

A large circular area of water with multiple colors ranging from blue color and spanning outward to orange. Steam rises above
Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring

A view of the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring from the vantage point of the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 

A view of the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring from the vantage point of the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. 

A tall stream of water erupts from Old Faithful geyser in the distance. People stand on a walkway watching.
Old Faithful
Old Faithful
Old Faithful

The famous Old Faithful geyser begins an eruption as visitors watch in the distance. This view is looking from Beehive Geyser toward Old Faithful.

The famous Old Faithful geyser begins an eruption as visitors watch in the distance. This view is looking from Beehive Geyser toward Old Faithful.

A rainbow rises to the right over the fumes of two geysers nearby.
Rainbow over Ledge Geyser
Rainbow over Ledge Geyser
Rainbow over Ledge Geyser

A rainbow rises over Ledge Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. "Ledge is the second largest geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin, capable of shooting water 125 feet into the air. Because it erupts at an angle, however, the water will sometimes reach the ground 220 feet away." - NPS

A rainbow rises over Ledge Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. "Ledge is the second largest geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin, capable of shooting water 125 feet into the air. Because it erupts at an angle, however, the water will sometimes reach the ground 220 feet away." - NPS

A sunset peaking out over a small, woody, hill.
Yellowstone Sunset
Yellowstone Sunset
Yellowstone Sunset

A picturesque shot of the sun setting while driving through north Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

A picturesque shot of the sun setting while driving through north Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

A large eruptive column of water bursts upward from a cone shaped opening, trees and mountains in the distance.
Beehive Geyser
Beehive Geyser
Beehive Geyser

An explosive eruption of silica water erupts from Beehive Geyser located in the Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The Upper Geyser Basin is also home to the famous Old Faithful geyser which sits just behind Beehive Geyser in the distance.

An explosive eruption of silica water erupts from Beehive Geyser located in the Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The Upper Geyser Basin is also home to the famous Old Faithful geyser which sits just behind Beehive Geyser in the distance.

A river flowing to the background where it meets up with several steam vents rising off the ground.
River and Thermals
River and Thermals
River and Thermals

 

This photo shows a river with thermal views below the bridge near the Monument Geyser Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

 

This photo shows a river with thermal views below the bridge near the Monument Geyser Trailhead in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

A bison shuffles slowly on the side of the road, toward the camera.
Bison shuffles slowly on roadway
Bison shuffles slowly on roadway
Bison shuffles slowly on roadway

A bison is seen shuffling slowly down a road in Yellowstone National Park. The bison appears to be staying to the shoulder allowing others to safely bypass. The bison was safely recorded from inside a stopped vehicle. Never approach bison on the roadway.

A bison is seen shuffling slowly down a road in Yellowstone National Park. The bison appears to be staying to the shoulder allowing others to safely bypass. The bison was safely recorded from inside a stopped vehicle. Never approach bison on the roadway.

Three large boulders rest in the river with a haze of early morning fog lingering above. Tall pine trees line both sides.
Early Morning on the Gibbon River
Early Morning on the Gibbon River
Early Morning on the Gibbon River

A foggy, early morning view looking down the Gibbon River, off of Grand Loop Rd in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

A foggy, early morning view looking down the Gibbon River, off of Grand Loop Rd in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Small pools of mud that are bubbling
Mudpot at Artists' Paintpots
Mudpot at Artists' Paintpots
Mudpot at Artists' Paintpots

This mudpot is located at the upper level of the trail at the Artists' Paintpots in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Some people will smell rotten eggs, others might even pick up the scent of hickory-smoked ham. 

This mudpot is located at the upper level of the trail at the Artists' Paintpots in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Some people will smell rotten eggs, others might even pick up the scent of hickory-smoked ham. 

steam rising from a rocky hill with the sunrise breaking through the trees on the side.
Steamboat Geyser
Steamboat Geyser
Steamboat Geyser

"Tucked away in the Norris Geyser Basin is Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. Its major eruptions shoot water more than 300 feet (91 m). Only Waimangu Geyser in New Zealand has rocketed to greater heights—but not in more than one hundred years.

"Tucked away in the Norris Geyser Basin is Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser. Its major eruptions shoot water more than 300 feet (91 m). Only Waimangu Geyser in New Zealand has rocketed to greater heights—but not in more than one hundred years.

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