We wouldn't have seasons here on Earth if not for the planet's 23.5 degree axial tilt. Axial tilt is also known as obliquity. Earth's obliquity and its relationship with the sun give us two solstice points and two equinox points. As we orbit through each solstice and equinox, the amount and angle of daylight change.
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Yellowstone Monthly Updates
Yellowstone Monthly Updates
Let’s get you caught up on what we’ve learned about the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin, in this Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for October 2024.
Image of the Week
Image of the Week
A weekly series from the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center highlighting satellite image(s) featuring striking changes to the Earth's surface.
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Image of the Week - Landsat and Our Tilted Planet
We wouldn't have seasons here on Earth if not for the planet's 23.5 degree axial tilt. Axial tilt is also known as obliquity. Earth's obliquity and its relationship with the sun give us two solstice points and two equinox points. As we orbit through each solstice and equinox, the amount and angle of daylight change.
Image of the Week - World Cup in Qatar, 2022
While the best soccer players in the world show off their footwork skills, the best Earth observation satellite program in the world displays its skill at detecting change over time. Landsat images show the rapidly growing city of Doha in Qatar. It's the country's capital and the location of the 2022 men's World Cup.
While the best soccer players in the world show off their footwork skills, the best Earth observation satellite program in the world displays its skill at detecting change over time. Landsat images show the rapidly growing city of Doha in Qatar. It's the country's capital and the location of the 2022 men's World Cup.
December 8, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
During a morning overflight on December 9, 2022, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists noted a reduced output of lava at fissure 3 on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. The lava fountain is much lower than yesterday and the lava in the channel is much lower than the levees. USGS video by M. Patrick.
During a morning overflight on December 9, 2022, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists noted a reduced output of lava at fissure 3 on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. The lava fountain is much lower than yesterday and the lava in the channel is much lower than the levees. USGS video by M. Patrick.
December 9, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
Aerial view of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa on December 9, 2022. The eruption continues but the vigor has greatly reduced over the past 24 hours. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Aerial view of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa on December 9, 2022. The eruption continues but the vigor has greatly reduced over the past 24 hours. USGS video by M. Patrick.
December 9, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel
Aerial view of the upper lava channel from fissure 3 on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. On December 9, 2022, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists noted a reduced output of lava at fissure 3 and this photo shows that the level of lava in the channel is the lowest it has been since the eruption started. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Aerial view of the upper lava channel from fissure 3 on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. On December 9, 2022, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists noted a reduced output of lava at fissure 3 and this photo shows that the level of lava in the channel is the lowest it has been since the eruption started. USGS video by M. Patrick.
December 8, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3
The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa continues with a major change overnight. The fissure 3 (F3) vent continues to erupt but the supply of lava appears to be much reduced this morning. Lava is overtopping channels near the vent with flows extending no farther than 2.5 mi (4 km) from the vent.
The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa continues with a major change overnight. The fissure 3 (F3) vent continues to erupt but the supply of lava appears to be much reduced this morning. Lava is overtopping channels near the vent with flows extending no farther than 2.5 mi (4 km) from the vent.
December 7, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Boat
A lava boat traverses down the fissure 3 lava channel during the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa on December 7, 2022. Lava boats or lava balls form when portions of the fissure cone or lava channel levees break away and are rafted down the lava stream.
A lava boat traverses down the fissure 3 lava channel during the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa on December 7, 2022. Lava boats or lava balls form when portions of the fissure cone or lava channel levees break away and are rafted down the lava stream.
December 7, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel
Video of the fissure 3 lava channel near the vent, high on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Near the vent, the lava flow velocity has been measured at 32-39 feet per second (10-12 meters per second) within the lava channel. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Video of the fissure 3 lava channel near the vent, high on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Near the vent, the lava flow velocity has been measured at 32-39 feet per second (10-12 meters per second) within the lava channel. USGS video by M. Patrick.
December 7, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Overflight
An overflight the morning of December 7, 2022, provided this aerial view of fissure 3 erupting at an elevation of 10,500 feet (meters) above sea level on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. The fissure is feeding a lava channel; near the vent, the lava flow speed has been measured at 32-39 feet per second (10-12 meters per second). USGS video by M.
An overflight the morning of December 7, 2022, provided this aerial view of fissure 3 erupting at an elevation of 10,500 feet (meters) above sea level on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. The fissure is feeding a lava channel; near the vent, the lava flow speed has been measured at 32-39 feet per second (10-12 meters per second). USGS video by M.
December 5, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Lava Channel
A close up view of the fissure 3 lava channel erupting from Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone, as seen by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crews on the morning of December 5, 2022. The large bumps are standing waves in the lava.
A close up view of the fissure 3 lava channel erupting from Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone, as seen by Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field crews on the morning of December 5, 2022. The large bumps are standing waves in the lava.
December 4, 2022 — Aerial Views of Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Erupting
Aerial view of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa the morning of December 4, 2022.
Aerial view of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa the morning of December 4, 2022.
December 4, 2022 — Mauna Loa Fissure 3 Video
View of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa the morning of December 4, 2022. Lava fountaining at the vent was approximately 100 feet (33 m) tall yesterday; fragments of lava are deposited in the area near the vent construct the cone visible in this video. USGS video by F. Trusdell.
View of fissure 3 erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa the morning of December 4, 2022. Lava fountaining at the vent was approximately 100 feet (33 m) tall yesterday; fragments of lava are deposited in the area near the vent construct the cone visible in this video. USGS video by F. Trusdell.
December 3, 2022 - Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption Fissure 3
Video of lava fountaining at fissure 3, on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.
Video of lava fountaining at fissure 3, on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.
December 3, 2022 - Mauna Loa Northeast Rift Zone Eruption Fissure 3
Video of the lava channel issuing from fissure 3, on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.
Video of the lava channel issuing from fissure 3, on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa.
December 2, 2022 - Mauna Loa Fissure 3
Video of a fissure 3 erupting at a high elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Consistent lava fountains at fissure 3 has built up a spatter rampart around the fissure. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Video of a fissure 3 erupting at a high elevation on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Consistent lava fountains at fissure 3 has built up a spatter rampart around the fissure. USGS video by M. Patrick.
Image of the Week - Lake Powell and the Megadrought
Two decades of drought are contributing to low water levels in reservoirs along the Colorado River, including Lake Powell.
Lake Powell’s highest recorded water level was in 1983. In this 1984 Landsat 5 image, the lake’s elevation was 3,702 feet above sea level.
Two decades of drought are contributing to low water levels in reservoirs along the Colorado River, including Lake Powell.
Lake Powell’s highest recorded water level was in 1983. In this 1984 Landsat 5 image, the lake’s elevation was 3,702 feet above sea level.
December 1, 2022 - Mauna Loa Eruption
Aerial footage of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa captured the morning of December 1, 2022.
Aerial footage of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa captured the morning of December 1, 2022.
December 1, 2022 - Mauna Loa Eruption
Aerial footage of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa captured the morning of December 1, 2022.
Aerial footage of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa captured the morning of December 1, 2022.
December 1, 2022 - Mauna Loa Eruption
Aerial footage of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa captured the morning of December 1, 2022.
Aerial footage of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa captured the morning of December 1, 2022.
December 1, 2022 - Mauna Loa Eruption
Footage of a geologist taking a sample of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa the morning of December 1, 2022.
Footage of a geologist taking a sample of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa the morning of December 1, 2022.
December 1, 2022 - Mauna Loa Eruption
Aerial footage of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa captured the morning of December 1, 2022.
Aerial footage of the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa captured the morning of December 1, 2022.