The air was thick with smoke from burning vegetation and asphalt. Flows here were crossing Highway 137 and moving slowly towards a residence.
Tim R. Orr
Physical volcanology and eruption dynamics of basaltic volcanoes, principally Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii, and the Bering Sea Basalt Province, Alaska. Eruptive histories and hazards of Hawaiian and Alaska volcanoes.
My position as a Research Geologist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory focuses on fundamental research on eruption and flow field processes to understand hazards better and improve forecasts, first in Hawaiʻi and now in Alaska. My work entails observing and measuring eruptive activity as part of operational monitoring and through directed field studies to analyze the data collected to gain fundamental insights into eruptive phenomena in Hawaiʻi, Alaska, and worldwide.
In addition, a fundamental part of my position is the monitoring of, and response to, volcanic unrest and eruptions. I serve as a 24/7 on-call duty scientist and duty remote sensor at AVO periodically throughout the year, and more often as needed during eruption crises, with primary responsibility for assessing volcanic activity daily and issuing hazard alerts. Because of my previous experience at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, I am also called upon to help with eruption response efforts in Hawaiʻi, when needed.
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Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
The air was thick with smoke from burning vegetation and asphalt. Flows here were crossing Highway 137 and moving slowly towards a residence.
Vegetation Redirecting Lava Flows
View towards the south, showing the recent lava abutting the Hakuma horst, which is directing flows towards the east. The fault scarp extends about 2 meters above the level of the lava here.
View towards the south, showing the recent lava abutting the Hakuma horst, which is directing flows towards the east. The fault scarp extends about 2 meters above the level of the lava here.
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
More breakouts were active along Highway 137 today, with this lobe burning through a grove of ironwood trees before reaching the asphalt.
More breakouts were active along Highway 137 today, with this lobe burning through a grove of ironwood trees before reaching the asphalt.
Composite Photo of Active Flow Front
This composite image combines a thermal image with a normal photograph, and shows the active flow front in Kalapana. The flow is abutting the raised ground of the Hakuma horst, which is diverting the flows to the east and bringing them closer to residences.
This composite image combines a thermal image with a normal photograph, and shows the active flow front in Kalapana. The flow is abutting the raised ground of the Hakuma horst, which is diverting the flows to the east and bringing them closer to residences.
Vegetation Redirecting Lava Flows
Lava flows have reached the north facing scarp of the Hakuma horst (the vegetated segment roughly shaped like California), temporarily stopping flows toward the south, sending them along the scarp to the east and west. If the flows continue to inflate, they will overcome the topography of the horst and once again flow toward the ocean.
Lava flows have reached the north facing scarp of the Hakuma horst (the vegetated segment roughly shaped like California), temporarily stopping flows toward the south, sending them along the scarp to the east and west. If the flows continue to inflate, they will overcome the topography of the horst and once again flow toward the ocean.
Active Lava Flow
Flows continue to be active south of the Kalapana access road, heading in a generally eastward direction. These breakouts were active just a few hundred meters east of the County lava viewing area.
Flows continue to be active south of the Kalapana access road, heading in a generally eastward direction. These breakouts were active just a few hundred meters east of the County lava viewing area.
Scorched Earth
Scorched ground extended out beyond the flow margins, as the lava triggered small fires that consumed adjacent grass and underbrush.
Scorched ground extended out beyond the flow margins, as the lava triggered small fires that consumed adjacent grass and underbrush.
Ruptured Flow Front
Flows continued to be active along Hwy 137, inching closer towards houses in Kalapana. This photo shows an inflated flow front that has ruptured, spilling out the fluid lava within the flow.
Flows continued to be active along Hwy 137, inching closer towards houses in Kalapana. This photo shows an inflated flow front that has ruptured, spilling out the fluid lava within the flow.
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
The advancing flows triggered many small fires, with underbrush burned up to a hundred meters ahead of the flow.
The advancing flows triggered many small fires, with underbrush burned up to a hundred meters ahead of the flow.
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
Flows were also active in kipukas north and south of the access road today, and were pushing through thick vegetation.
Flows were also active in kipukas north and south of the access road today, and were pushing through thick vegetation.
Lava Flows Burning Roadway
Flows reached the Kalapana access road in the past day, and covered about 300 meters of asphalt. The burning asphalt created a plume of thick, black smoke.
Flows reached the Kalapana access road in the past day, and covered about 300 meters of asphalt. The burning asphalt created a plume of thick, black smoke.
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
This active lobe disregarded the fence and continued south on its way to the ocean.
This active lobe disregarded the fence and continued south on its way to the ocean.
Lava Burning Brush near Kalapana Gardens
Lava burns through thick brush just north of Highway 130, near Kalapana Gardens.
Lava burns through thick brush just north of Highway 130, near Kalapana Gardens.
Lava Entry near Kalapana
View of the western edge of the western ocean entry delta near Kalapana.
View of the western edge of the western ocean entry delta near Kalapana.
Lava Dripping into Ocean
View of lava dripping into the ocean on the western edge of the 'Ili'ili ocean entry delta.
View of lava dripping into the ocean on the western edge of the 'Ili'ili ocean entry delta.
Pahoehoe Toe Advancing on Beach
The Puhiokalaikini entry continues to expand eastward, as small pahoehoe toes advanced on the new black sand beach below the seacliff.
The Puhiokalaikini entry continues to expand eastward, as small pahoehoe toes advanced on the new black sand beach below the seacliff.
Seaside Blowhole Filled with Lava
In addition to filling in several small bays, lava has infiltrated small caves in the seacliff as well. Just a week ago this was a blowhole that occasionally shot seawater high into the air. Fresh lava, visible at the bottom of the pit, has since filled in the cave connecting the blowhole to the sea.
In addition to filling in several small bays, lava has infiltrated small caves in the seacliff as well. Just a week ago this was a blowhole that occasionally shot seawater high into the air. Fresh lava, visible at the bottom of the pit, has since filled in the cave connecting the blowhole to the sea.
Growth of a Lava Delta
The western ocean entry, named Puhiokalaikini, has continued to build its delta to the west. Over the past day, lava filled in this small bay at a remarkable rate. The promontory in the upper right corner of the photograph hosted a popular fishing spot.
The western ocean entry, named Puhiokalaikini, has continued to build its delta to the west. Over the past day, lava filled in this small bay at a remarkable rate. The promontory in the upper right corner of the photograph hosted a popular fishing spot.
A Look into Puu Oo Crater
Steep view looking west into Pu' u 'Ō 'ō crater. The dominant degassing, obvious in this photo, is from a hole on the eastern wall of the crater.
Steep view looking west into Pu' u 'Ō 'ō crater. The dominant degassing, obvious in this photo, is from a hole on the eastern wall of the crater.
Distant Fume from Lava Entry
View looking toward the ocean entries in the distance. The 'Ili'ili entry is marked by the tiny plume to the left. The very broad Puhiokalaikini entry comprises the rest of the plumes along the shoreline. The tube system feeding the ocean entries is delineated by the fume in the foreground.
View looking toward the ocean entries in the distance. The 'Ili'ili entry is marked by the tiny plume to the left. The very broad Puhiokalaikini entry comprises the rest of the plumes along the shoreline. The tube system feeding the ocean entries is delineated by the fume in the foreground.
Lava Enteries over Kalapana Gardens
View looking southwest across the Kalapana Gardens subdivision toward the ocean entries in the background. The slightly lighter-colored surface just past the houses and topped by burned trees marks the area recently covered by lava.
View looking southwest across the Kalapana Gardens subdivision toward the ocean entries in the background. The slightly lighter-colored surface just past the houses and topped by burned trees marks the area recently covered by lava.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 84
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
The air was thick with smoke from burning vegetation and asphalt. Flows here were crossing Highway 137 and moving slowly towards a residence.
The air was thick with smoke from burning vegetation and asphalt. Flows here were crossing Highway 137 and moving slowly towards a residence.
Vegetation Redirecting Lava Flows
View towards the south, showing the recent lava abutting the Hakuma horst, which is directing flows towards the east. The fault scarp extends about 2 meters above the level of the lava here.
View towards the south, showing the recent lava abutting the Hakuma horst, which is directing flows towards the east. The fault scarp extends about 2 meters above the level of the lava here.
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
More breakouts were active along Highway 137 today, with this lobe burning through a grove of ironwood trees before reaching the asphalt.
More breakouts were active along Highway 137 today, with this lobe burning through a grove of ironwood trees before reaching the asphalt.
Composite Photo of Active Flow Front
This composite image combines a thermal image with a normal photograph, and shows the active flow front in Kalapana. The flow is abutting the raised ground of the Hakuma horst, which is diverting the flows to the east and bringing them closer to residences.
This composite image combines a thermal image with a normal photograph, and shows the active flow front in Kalapana. The flow is abutting the raised ground of the Hakuma horst, which is diverting the flows to the east and bringing them closer to residences.
Vegetation Redirecting Lava Flows
Lava flows have reached the north facing scarp of the Hakuma horst (the vegetated segment roughly shaped like California), temporarily stopping flows toward the south, sending them along the scarp to the east and west. If the flows continue to inflate, they will overcome the topography of the horst and once again flow toward the ocean.
Lava flows have reached the north facing scarp of the Hakuma horst (the vegetated segment roughly shaped like California), temporarily stopping flows toward the south, sending them along the scarp to the east and west. If the flows continue to inflate, they will overcome the topography of the horst and once again flow toward the ocean.
Active Lava Flow
Flows continue to be active south of the Kalapana access road, heading in a generally eastward direction. These breakouts were active just a few hundred meters east of the County lava viewing area.
Flows continue to be active south of the Kalapana access road, heading in a generally eastward direction. These breakouts were active just a few hundred meters east of the County lava viewing area.
Scorched Earth
Scorched ground extended out beyond the flow margins, as the lava triggered small fires that consumed adjacent grass and underbrush.
Scorched ground extended out beyond the flow margins, as the lava triggered small fires that consumed adjacent grass and underbrush.
Ruptured Flow Front
Flows continued to be active along Hwy 137, inching closer towards houses in Kalapana. This photo shows an inflated flow front that has ruptured, spilling out the fluid lava within the flow.
Flows continued to be active along Hwy 137, inching closer towards houses in Kalapana. This photo shows an inflated flow front that has ruptured, spilling out the fluid lava within the flow.
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
The advancing flows triggered many small fires, with underbrush burned up to a hundred meters ahead of the flow.
The advancing flows triggered many small fires, with underbrush burned up to a hundred meters ahead of the flow.
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
Flows were also active in kipukas north and south of the access road today, and were pushing through thick vegetation.
Flows were also active in kipukas north and south of the access road today, and were pushing through thick vegetation.
Lava Flows Burning Roadway
Flows reached the Kalapana access road in the past day, and covered about 300 meters of asphalt. The burning asphalt created a plume of thick, black smoke.
Flows reached the Kalapana access road in the past day, and covered about 300 meters of asphalt. The burning asphalt created a plume of thick, black smoke.
Lava Flows Burning Vegetation
This active lobe disregarded the fence and continued south on its way to the ocean.
This active lobe disregarded the fence and continued south on its way to the ocean.
Lava Burning Brush near Kalapana Gardens
Lava burns through thick brush just north of Highway 130, near Kalapana Gardens.
Lava burns through thick brush just north of Highway 130, near Kalapana Gardens.
Lava Entry near Kalapana
View of the western edge of the western ocean entry delta near Kalapana.
View of the western edge of the western ocean entry delta near Kalapana.
Lava Dripping into Ocean
View of lava dripping into the ocean on the western edge of the 'Ili'ili ocean entry delta.
View of lava dripping into the ocean on the western edge of the 'Ili'ili ocean entry delta.
Pahoehoe Toe Advancing on Beach
The Puhiokalaikini entry continues to expand eastward, as small pahoehoe toes advanced on the new black sand beach below the seacliff.
The Puhiokalaikini entry continues to expand eastward, as small pahoehoe toes advanced on the new black sand beach below the seacliff.
Seaside Blowhole Filled with Lava
In addition to filling in several small bays, lava has infiltrated small caves in the seacliff as well. Just a week ago this was a blowhole that occasionally shot seawater high into the air. Fresh lava, visible at the bottom of the pit, has since filled in the cave connecting the blowhole to the sea.
In addition to filling in several small bays, lava has infiltrated small caves in the seacliff as well. Just a week ago this was a blowhole that occasionally shot seawater high into the air. Fresh lava, visible at the bottom of the pit, has since filled in the cave connecting the blowhole to the sea.
Growth of a Lava Delta
The western ocean entry, named Puhiokalaikini, has continued to build its delta to the west. Over the past day, lava filled in this small bay at a remarkable rate. The promontory in the upper right corner of the photograph hosted a popular fishing spot.
The western ocean entry, named Puhiokalaikini, has continued to build its delta to the west. Over the past day, lava filled in this small bay at a remarkable rate. The promontory in the upper right corner of the photograph hosted a popular fishing spot.
A Look into Puu Oo Crater
Steep view looking west into Pu' u 'Ō 'ō crater. The dominant degassing, obvious in this photo, is from a hole on the eastern wall of the crater.
Steep view looking west into Pu' u 'Ō 'ō crater. The dominant degassing, obvious in this photo, is from a hole on the eastern wall of the crater.
Distant Fume from Lava Entry
View looking toward the ocean entries in the distance. The 'Ili'ili entry is marked by the tiny plume to the left. The very broad Puhiokalaikini entry comprises the rest of the plumes along the shoreline. The tube system feeding the ocean entries is delineated by the fume in the foreground.
View looking toward the ocean entries in the distance. The 'Ili'ili entry is marked by the tiny plume to the left. The very broad Puhiokalaikini entry comprises the rest of the plumes along the shoreline. The tube system feeding the ocean entries is delineated by the fume in the foreground.
Lava Enteries over Kalapana Gardens
View looking southwest across the Kalapana Gardens subdivision toward the ocean entries in the background. The slightly lighter-colored surface just past the houses and topped by burned trees marks the area recently covered by lava.
View looking southwest across the Kalapana Gardens subdivision toward the ocean entries in the background. The slightly lighter-colored surface just past the houses and topped by burned trees marks the area recently covered by lava.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government