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Hawaii Volcano Kilauea Ocean Lava Eruption Updates -

Recent Kilauea Status Reports, Updates, and Information Releases

Current Lavaocean Update

Since January 2nd, 2010 lava has ceased entering the ocean. As we patiently await the next moment lava touches the sea, lava is flowing through tubes, across the pali (hillside) and making a fresh path to the ocean. Come join us on our Volcano coastal tour highlighting the remote Puna coastline including sea aches, black sand beaches, lava tubes, and the past 27 years of Kileaua Volcano's eruption. Until lava returns updates will be less active like the lava :)

Lavaocean Volcano Video Eruption Update -
Kilauea Volcano Eruption updates performed aboard Lava Boat LavaKai


Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - volcano update - http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/hvostatus.php

HVO Eruption Archieves

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY DAILY UPDATE
Monday, March 15, 2010 7:52 AM HST (Monday, March 15, 2010 17:52 UTC)
This report on the status of Kilauea volcanic activity, in addition to maps, photos, and webcam images (available using the menu bar above), was prepared by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park status can be found at http://www.nps.gov/havo/ or 985-6000. Hawai`i County Viewing Area status can be found at 961-8093. All times are Hawai`i Standard Time.

KILAUEA VOLCANO (CAVW #1302-01-)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH

Activity Summary for past 24 hours: Kilauea volcano continued with eruptions at two locations. At the summit, lava levels periodically rose and rapidly fell in a deep pit inset within the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater and produced strong glow that was visible from the Jaggar Museum. At the east rift zone vents, lava resumed flow through tubes and fed surface flows above the pali. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from both summit and east rift zone vents remained elevated. 

Past 24 hours at Kilauea summit: The circulating and spattering lava surface slowly rose to high levels and rapidly fell three times in the deep pit inset within the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater without regard to the ongoing DI deflation; when the lava is at high levels, several small fountains on the north edge were visible but when the level was low, spattering was seen on the south edge; slightly weaker glow was visible from the Jaggar Museum Overlook last night. 

The summit tiltmeter network recorded the start of DI deflation at 4:45 pm yesterday. Seismic tremor started to increase after midnight with decreases during high lava levels and increases during low levels. The number of RB2S2BL earthquakes was within background values. Five earthquakes beneath Hawai`i Island were strong enough to be located - one beneath the upper east rift zone, one beneath the lower southwest rift zone, and three on south flank faults. 

The summit vent gas plume is moving to the southwest this morning. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 600 tonnes/day on March 11, 2010, still elevated above the 2003-2007 average of 140 tonnes/day. Small amounts of mostly ash-sized tephra were carried out of the deep pit in ascending gases and deposited on nearby surfaces.

Past 24 hours at the middle east rift zone vents and flow field: Magma degases through Pu`u `O`o crater before erupting from the TEB vent located 2 km to the east. The most recent sulfur dioxide emission rate measurement was 400 tonnes/day on March 12, 2010, lower than the 2003-2007 average of 1,700 tonnes/day. No incandescence has been recorded via webcam within Pu`u `O`o Crater since February 27; incandescence has been observed from persistent points by geologists during overflights of the crater.

The tiltmeter on the north flank of Pu`u `O`o recorded the start of DI deflation just before 8 pm last night. Seismic tremor levels near the Pu`u `O`o and TEB vents increased amplitude around 2:20 am this morning. The number of RB2STBL earthquakes remained at background levels.

Lava flowed through tubes and fed surface flow breakouts above the pali. GOES-WEST images showed strong thermal anomalies through dawn suggesting continuing surface flow activity.

Maps, photos, webcam views, and other information about Kilauea Volcano are available at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/activity/kilaueastatus.php. A daily update summary is available by phone at (808) 967-8862.

A map with details of earthquakes located within the past two weeks can be found at http://tux.wr.usgs.gov/

A definition of alert levels can be found at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php

12 March 2010

No surface flows on the flow field

No surface flows were active anywhere on the flow field today, due to summit deflation and a reduction in lava supply over the past few days. Summit inflation resumed yesterday, and an increase in lava supply should lead to resumed breakouts over the next several days. This photo shows the area of flows that were active over the past week—they can be identified as the lighter colored lobe in the center of the photograph that has cut through the middle of the forested area (the remains of Royal Gardens subdivision). These flows were advancing across the coastal plain earlier in the week. Pu`u `Ō `ō, and its persistent degassing plume, can be seen in the upper left corner of the photograph.
No surface flows were active anywhere on the flow field today, due to summit deflation and a reduction in lava supply over the past few days. Summit inflation resumed yesterday, and an increase in lava supply should lead to resumed breakouts over the next several days. This photo shows the area of flows that were active over the past week—they can be identified as the lighter colored lobe in the center of the photograph that has cut through the middle of the forested area (the remains of Royal Gardens subdivision). These flows were advancing across the coastal plain earlier in the week. Pu`u `Ō `ō, and its persistent degassing plume, can be seen in the upper left corner of the photograph.

11 March 2010

Quicktime movie showing the active lava pond deep with the Halema`uma`u vent cavity

This Quicktime movie shows the active lava pond deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. The lava is upwelling at the northern margin of the pond (the upper margin in this view), and slowly migrating south towards the bottom of the image, where it sinks out of view. The pond is about 50 yards wide. Small spattering sources appear and disappear occasionally. This video was taken with a thermal camera (white is hot, dark blue is cold), which is able to see through the thick fume. No views were possible with the naked eye today due to the fume, and only loud gas roaring sounds could be heard.
This Quicktime movie shows the active lava pond deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. The lava is upwelling at the northern margin of the pond (the upper margin in this view), and slowly migrating south towards the bottom of the image, where it sinks out of view. The pond is about 50 yards wide. Small spattering sources appear and disappear occasionally. This video was taken with a thermal camera (white is hot, dark blue is cold), which is able to see through the thick fume. No views were possible with the naked eye today due to the fume, and only loud gas roaring sounds could be heard.

10 March 2010

Thermal image at Halema`uma`u shows the current activity

This image was collected from a thermal camera at the Halema`uma`u Overlook, and shows the current activity at the summit. The active lava pond, about 40 yards across, is situated deep within the vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards. The lava surface consists of slowly migrating crustal plates, with a spattering source on the east margin of the pond. The lava surface is slightly deeper than its usual level, owing to deflation during the current deflation-inflation (DI) cycle.
This image was collected from a thermal camera at the Halema`uma`u Overlook, and shows the current activity at the summit. The active lava pond, about 40 yards across, is situated deep within the vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards. The lava surface consists of slowly migrating crustal plates, with a spattering source on the east margin of the pond. The lava surface is slightly deeper than its usual level, owing to deflation during the current deflation-inflation (DI) cycle.

5 March 2010

Lava flow burns vegetation in small kipuka

A lava flow burns what little vegetation is left in this small kipuka at the top of the pali.
A lava flow burns what little vegetation is left in this small kipuka at the top of the pali.

Visible/Infrared image of the current flow field

The FLIR image on the right is a close-up infrared image of the current flow field, shown on the left.
The FLIR image on the right is a close-up infrared image of the current flow field, shown on the left.

25 February 2010

Fume sources on the TEB flow field and an overplating pāhoehoe flow

The upper TEB flow field, looking south. The fuming hole in the foreground is the TEB vent. The other fume sources, which help delineate the lava tube, are coming from collapsed areas down the tube system.
 A small active pāhoehoe flow overplating an older 'a'ā flow on the upper TEB flow field. There were a few small scattered breakouts above the pali, but the majority of the surface activity was flowing through Royal Gardens and onto the coastal plain.
Left. The upper TEB flow field, looking south. The fuming hole in the foreground is the TEB vent. The other fume sources, which help delineate the lava tube, are coming from collapsed areas down the tube system.Right. A small active pāhoehoe flow overplating an older 'a'ā flow on the upper TEB flow field. There were a few small scattered breakouts above the pali, but the majority of the surface activity was flowing through Royal Gardens and onto the coastal plain.

19 February 2010

Active lava flow continue to creep across the coastal plain

Lava, showing up here as the light colored area, continues to creep across the coastal plain toward the national park, having now reached about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) out from the base of the pali.
 The lava flows on the coastal plain, which show up as the light colored flows in the foreground, are erupted into the TEB tube system from the D fissure which first opened up in July 2007. This vent is faintly visible as a fuming source in the background near the upper left corner of the photo. Smaller fuming sources between vent and coastal plain mark the trace of the TEB tube.
Left. Lava, showing up here as the light colored area, continues to creep across the coastal plain toward the national park, having now reached about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) out from the base of the pali.Right. The lava flows on the coastal plain, which show up as the light colored flows in the foreground, are erupted into the TEB tube system from the D fissure which first opened up in July 2007. This vent is faintly visible as a fuming source in the background near the upper left corner of the photo. Smaller fuming sources between vent and coastal plain mark the trace of the TEB tube.

12 February 2010

Active lava flows within Royal Gardens subdivision and onto the coastal plain

Lava flows remain active within the Royal Gardens subdivision and onto the coastal plain below. The number of surface flows has decreased however, due in part to a probable decrease in activity related to the ongoing deflation of Pu`u `Ō `ō, and because the new lava tube branch feeding the flows is becoming better developed.
 As the lava tube becomes better established, the surface flows on the pali will probably die out while the flows on the coastal plain continue to move toward the ocean.
Left. Lava flows remain active within the Royal Gardens subdivision and onto the coastal plain below. The number of surface flows has decreased however, due in part to a probable decrease in activity related to the ongoing deflation of Pu`u `Ō `ō, and because the new lava tube branch feeding the flows is becoming better developed.Right. As the lava tube becomes better established, the surface flows on the pali will probably die out while the flows on the coastal plain continue to move toward the ocean.
The currently active flows on the pali continue to chip away at the few remaining streets in the beleaguered Royal Gardens subdivision. Those visible here are pretty much all that's left, with the exception of one small kipuka out of sight to the right.
The currently active flows on the pali continue to chip away at the few remaining streets in the beleaguered Royal Gardens subdivision. Those visible here are pretty much all that's left, with the exception of one small kipuka out of sight to the right.

3 February 2010

Six channelized flows meander down the pali to the Royal Gardens subdivision

Six channelized flows meander down a steep portion of the pali, burning vegetation in the remaining portion of Royal Gardens subdivision.
 Six channelized flows meander down a steep portion of the pali, burning vegetation in the remaining portion of Royal Gardens subdivision.
Six channelized flows meander down a steep portion of the pali, burning vegetation in the remaining portion of Royal Gardens subdivision.
Areas of the forest go up in flames as the 'a'ā flow pushes its way through the vegetation at the base of the pali, and flows onto the coastal plain.
 Areas of the forest go up in flames as the 'a'ā flow pushes its way through the vegetation at the base of the pali, and flows onto the coastal plain.
Areas of the forest go up in flames as the 'a'ā flow pushes its way through the vegetation at the base of the pali, and flows onto the coastal plain.
The largest and eastern-most active channel spreads out near the base of the pali.
 As the slope decreases, the 'a'ā flows fan out onto the coastal plain.
Left. The largest and eastern-most active channel spreads out near the base of the pali. Right. As the slope decreases, the 'a'ā flows fan out onto the coastal plain.

29 January 2010

Active pāhoehoe flow in the Royal Gardens subdivision and clear view in Pu`u `Ō `ō crater

The active front of a pāhoehoe flow near the intersection of Pikake and Warrior Street, in the Royal Gardens subdivision. The road in the lower portion of the photo is the last remaining piece of Pikake Street.
 A relatively clear view into Pu`u `Ō `ōcrater, looking NNE. Several persistent fuming sources are visible in the crater, including the source of a small lava flow near the crater's center. The dark area trending east-west at the bottom of the crater is a small lava flow that erupted between January 13 and January 19.
Left. The active front of a pāhoehoe flow near the intersection of Pikake and Warrior Street, in the Royal Gardens subdivision. The road in the lower portion of the photo is the last remaining piece of Pikake Street. Right.A relatively clear view into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater, looking NNE. Several persistent fuming sources are visible in the crater, including the source of a small lava flow near the crater's center. The dark area trending east-west at the bottom of the crater is a small lava flow that erupted between January 13 and January 19.

22 January 2010

'A'ā flow stalled in Royal Gardens subdivision

The 'a'ā flow that was active in the upper reaches of Royal Gardens subdivision on January 19 had stalled by today. The flow can be identified as the dark flow terminating near the center of the photograph. The flow front had extended well into the subdivision, almost reaching the level of Plumeria Street. About 400 yards to the west of this flow, at the west end of Plumeria, is the last occupied structure in Royal Gardens, visible by the red roof. Pu`u `Ō `ō can be seen in the upper right of the photograph.
The 'a'ā flow that was active in the upper reaches of Royal Gardens subdivision on January 19 had stalled by today. The flow can be identified as the dark flow terminating near the center of the photograph. The flow front had extended well into the subdivision, almost reaching the level of Plumeria Street. About 400 yards to the west of this flow, at the west end of Plumeria, is the last occupied structure in Royal Gardens, visible by the red roof. Pu`u `Ō `ō can be seen in the upper right of the photograph.

19 January 2010

Thick vog blankets Halema`um`ua vent

Fume from the erupting vent in Halema`uma`u blankets the summit of Kīlauea in thick vog.
Fume from the erupting vent in Halema`uma`u blankets the summit of Kīlauea in thick vog.

Active terminus on the western side of TEB in Royal Gardens Subdivision

Kīlauea's east rift zone eruption site. Pu`u `Ō `ō is to the right, and the TEB vent and upper tube system is to the left and behind Pu`u `Ō `ō.
 The terminus of the eastern branch of the one active flow above the pali. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the top in the center with the TEB vent to the right.
Left. Kīlauea's east rift zone eruption site. Pu`u `Ō `ō is to the right, and the TEB vent and upper tube system is to the left and behind Pu`u `Ō `ō. Right.The terminus of the eastern branch of the one active flow above the pali. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the top in the center with the TEB vent to the right.
The terminus of the more vigorous western branch of the active flow on the western side of the TEB flow field near the top of the Royal Gardens subdivision.
 Close-up of the front of the channelized 'a'ā flow on the western side of the TEB flow.
Left. The terminus of the more vigorous western branch of the active flow on the western side of the TEB flow field near the top of the Royal Gardens subdivision. Right.Close-up of the front of the channelized 'a'ā flow on the western side of the TEB flow.

14 January 2010

Views into Halema`um`ua vent showing the ponded surface and vigorous spattering

The lava surface rose to its highest level in at least a year. The ponded surface covered most of the bottom the collapse pit in the floor of Halema`uma`u, and was probably more than 100 m across.
 Much of the time, however, the lava level was much lower, forming rapidly moving river of lava that cascaded into a deeper hole on the north side of the pit floor.
Left. The lava surface rose to its highest level in at least a year. The ponded surface covered most of the bottom the collapse pit in the floor of Halema`uma`u, and was probably more than 100 m across. Right.Much of the time, however, the lava level was much lower, forming rapidly moving river of lava that cascaded into a deeper hole on the north side of the pit floor.
The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.
 The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.
The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.
The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.
 Occasionally, a small dome fountain briefly formed on the lava surface.
Left. The lava surface was typically topped by vigorous spattering.Right.Occasionally, a small dome fountain briefly formed on the lava surface.
At lower lava levels, large lava falls formed where lava cascaded down into a deeper opening.
 At one point, as the ponded lava began to drain away, a vortex formed on the lava surface. The curved streaks around the spattering point at the bottom of the image show where lava is beginning to move in a clockwise direction.
Left. At lower lava levels, large lava falls formed where lava cascaded down into a deeper opening. Right.At one point, as the ponded lava began to drain away, a vortex formed on the lava surface. The curved streaks around the spattering point at the bottom of the image show where lava is beginning to move in a clockwise direction.
The lava whirlpool is even better developed here and has migrated toward the north.
 With further draining, deep opening are exposed on the eastern side of the pit floor and the lava river pouring off into a deep hole on the north side of the pit.
Left. The lava whirlpool is even better developed here and has migrated toward the north.Right.With further draining, deep opening are exposed on the eastern side of the pit floor and the lava river pouring off into a deep hole on the north side of the pit.

13 January 2010

Quicktime thermal movie showing the entire floor of the Halema`uma`u vent

This Quicktime movie shows video collected with a thermal camera during two helicopter overflights of the Halema`uma`u vent. The high vantage point allowed a view of the entire floor of the vent cavity, which is not possible from the ground. Also, the thermal camera can 'see' through the thick fume that normally obscures the vent to the naked eye. The first half of the video shows observations on January 7, when a dome fountain on the floor of the vent cavity was feeding a wide, vigorously flowing lava stream towards the north. The second half of the video shows observations on January 13, at which point the lava stream had disappeared and two degassing holes were active. The northern hole (on the right) appears to have lava just below the rim.
This Quicktime movie shows video collected with a thermal camera during two helicopter overflights of the Halema`uma`u vent. The high vantage point allowed a view of the entire floor of the vent cavity, which is not possible from the ground. Also, the thermal camera can "see" through the thick fume that normally obscures the vent to the naked eye. The first half of the video shows observations on January 7, when a dome fountain on the floor of the vent cavity was feeding a wide, vigorously flowing lava stream towards the north. The second half of the video shows observations on January 13, at which point the lava stream had disappeared and two degassing holes were active. The northern hole (on the right) appears to have lava just below the rim.

View of Pu`u `Ō `ō and the TEB vent

View of Pu`u `Ō `ō and the TEB vent looking northwest. There is a distinctive separation between the two plumes coming from Pu`u `Ō `ō. The east wall vent is creating the plume closest to the east rim, and the larger plume is coming from a combination of several other vents inside the crater. The TEB vent is putting off the wispy plume in the foreground.
 Two HVO geologists are standing on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō cone, triangulating the depth of several degassing vents inside the crater. An infrared camera is being used to see the vents through the fume. The plume in the background is coming from the east wall vent.
Left. View of Pu`u `Ō `ō and the TEB vent looking northwest. There is a distinctive separation between the two plumes coming from Pu`u `Ō `ō. The east wall vent is creating the plume closest to the east rim, and the larger plume is coming from a combination of several other vents inside the crater. The TEB vent is putting off the wispy plume in the foreground. Right.Two HVO geologists are standing on the east rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō cone, triangulating the depth of several degassing vents inside the crater. An infrared camera is being used to see the vents through the fume. The plume in the background is coming from the east wall vent.

7 January 2010

View of Waikupanaha lava delta

View of the inactive Waikupanaha lava delta. There has been no steam plume or lava ocean entry since the first weekend in January. The viewpoint of this photo is similar to the Dec 17 and Dec 29 photos on the website (when the entry was active).
View of the inactive Waikupanaha lava delta. There has been no steam plume or lava ocean entry since the first weekend in January. The viewpoint of this photo is similar to the Dec 17 and Dec 29 photos on the website (when the entry was active).

7 January 2010

Spectacular eruptive activity deep within Halema`uma`u Crater

Spectacular eruptive activity has been occurring deep within the collapse pit in Halema`uma`u Crater at Kīlauea's summit. At times, a river of lava poured into a deeper plunge pool of lava, which had a dome fountain on its right-hand side.
Spectacular eruptive activity has been occurring deep within the collapse pit in Halema`uma`u Crater at Kīlauea's summit. At times, a river of lava poured into a deeper plunge pool of lava, which had a dome fountain on its right-hand side.
The bottom of the collapse pit is roughly 285 meters (935 feet) below the rim of Halema`uma`u, from which this photo was taken.
 Over the last several days, lava has episodically risen up to cover the bottom of the collapse pit, as shown here.
Left. The bottom of the collapse pit is roughly 285 meters (935 feet) below the rim of Halema`uma`u, from which this photo was taken. Right.Over the last several days, lava has episodically risen up to cover the bottom of the collapse pit, as shown here.
A bathtub ring of black lava record the high-lava mark at the bottom of the pit.
 The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Jaggar Museum are tiny bumps at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano in the background of this photo.
Left. A bathtub ring of black lava record the high-lava mark at the bottom of the pit. Right.The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Jaggar Museum are tiny bumps at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano in the background of this photo.
A particularly clear view reveals the walls of the collapse pit above the lava surface. The lava surface is roughly 200 meters (656 feet) below the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater, which is the smooth surface in the background.
A particularly clear view reveals the walls of the collapse pit above the lava surface. The lava surface is roughly 200 meters (656 feet) below the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater, which is the smooth surface in the background.

29 December 2009

Awesome aerial view comparing Pu`u `Ō `ō with 2007

Portions of the northwest rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō have collapsed over the past few years, with the most recent known collapse this past October. Compare this photo from 2007 to the one taken today-the red line shows where the crater rim is now.
 Comparison of this photo with the previous shows how much of the crater rim has fallen into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater over the past few years. The most recent collapse in October removed the summit of the cone, reducing the height of Pu`u `Ō `ō by a few meters (yards).
Left. Portions of the northwest rim of Pu`u `Ō `ō have collapsed over the past few years, with the most recent known collapse this past October. Compare this photo from 2007 to the one taken today-the red line shows where the crater rim is now. Right.Comparison of this photo with the previous shows how much of the crater rim has fallen into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater over the past few years. The most recent collapse in October removed the summit of the cone, reducing the height of Pu`u `Ō `ō by a few meters (yards).
Southerly winds offered decent views of the collapse pits on the west flank of Pu`u `Ō `ō. The TEB vent is the heavily fuming vent beyond Pu`u `Ō `ō to the right, and the active tube system extends to the right out of the image frame.
 This is the upper-most of several active breakouts from the lava tube system that started over this past weekend. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the upper right.
Left. Southerly winds offered decent views of the collapse pits on the west flank of Pu`u `Ō `ō. The TEB vent is the heavily fuming vent beyond Pu`u `Ō `ō to the right, and the active tube system extends to the right out of the image frame. Right.This is the upper-most of several active breakouts from the lava tube system that started over this past weekend. Pu`u `Ō `ō is at the upper right.
Two other breakouts are visible in this photo. The nearer is the lighter colored flow at the center of the image, and it is no longer active. The other is at the base of the pali just beyond and it continues to creep slowly forward.
 The Waikupanaha ocean entry remains active with its typical white steam plume blowing inland. The Hawaii County viewing area is marked by the white dots just below and left of the image center. The viewing area trailhead is at the white structure at the far right.
Left. Two other breakouts are visible in this photo. The nearer is the lighter colored flow at the center of the image, and it is no longer active. The other is at the base of the pali just beyond and it continues to creep slowly forward. Right.The Waikupanaha ocean entry remains active with its typical white steam plume blowing inland. The Hawaii County viewing area is marked by the white dots just below and left of the image center. The viewing area trailhead is at the white structure at the far right.

28 December 2009

Spectacular Quicktime movie showing a draining event in the lava pond within the Halema`uma`u vent

This Quicktime movie shows a draining event in the lava pond within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. The lava column exhibited cycles of filling and draining of the vent cavity, with each cycle lasting a few minutes. As the pond drains, lava cascades into a small hole on the east side (right) of the cavity floor. Also, lava that was covering a large bench to the west of the main pond drains back, with large plates of crust sliding over the edge.
This Quicktime movie shows a draining event in the lava pond within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. The lava column exhibited cycles of filling and draining of the vent cavity, with each cycle lasting a few minutes. As the pond drains, lava cascades into a small hole on the east side (right) of the cavity floor. Also, lava that was covering a large bench to the west of the main pond drains back, with large plates of crust sliding over the edge.

21 December 2009

Nightshot movie showing a filling and draining cycle event in the Halema`uma`u vent

Lava within the vent cavity in Halema`uma`u crater continues to be active, and occasionally displays remarkable filling and draining cycles. This Quicktime movie shows the draining portion of one of these cycles, captured in 'nightshot' mode in order to see through the thick fume. The video begins with a wide surface of chaotic, agitated lava, with vigorous upwelling and spattering. The lava surface is about 30 yards wide. Eventually, the lava begins to drain into a hole on the floor of the vent cavity, as spattering continues. Each filling and draining cycle lasted about 5 minutes.
Lava within the vent cavity in Halema`uma`u crater continues to be active, and occasionally displays remarkable filling and draining cycles. This Quicktime movie shows the draining portion of one of these cycles, captured in "nightshot" mode in order to see through the thick fume. The video begins with a wide surface of chaotic, agitated lava, with vigorous upwelling and spattering. The lava surface is about 30 yards wide. Eventually, the lava begins to drain into a hole on the floor of the vent cavity, as spattering continues. Each filling and draining cycle lasted about 5 minutes.

17 December 2009

Awesome aerial view of two active areas of Kīlauea, and Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea

An aerial view looking north at two active areas of Kīlauea. Pu`u `Ō `ō crater is in the foreground, Mauna Loa (left) and Mauna Kea (right) are in the background. The fume source near the base of Mauna Loa (at Kīlauea's summit) is from the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent. The wind is blowing the plume trace toward the northeast, partially obscuring the view of Mauna Kea.
 Although there are no surface flows anywhere on the flow field, lava continues to flow through the Waikupanaha lava tube and enter the ocean.
Left. An aerial view looking north at two active areas of Kīlauea. Pu`u `Ō `ō crater is in the foreground, Mauna Loa (left) and Mauna Kea (right) are in the background. The fume source near the base of Mauna Loa (at Kīlauea's summit) is from the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent. The wind is blowing the plume trace toward the northeast, partially obscuring the view of Mauna Kea. Right.Although there are no surface flows anywhere on the flow field, lava continues to flow through the Waikupanaha lava tube and enter the ocean.
South winds allow for a different perspective of the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent.
A beautiful example of sulfur crystals that have grown around a small fumarole near the southeast rim of Halema`uma`u crater. The vent is about 0.3 m (1 foot) long.
Left. South winds allow for a different perspective of the Halema`uma`u Overlook vent. Right.A beautiful example of sulfur crystals that have grown around a small fumarole near the southeast rim of Halema`uma`u crater. The vent is about 0.3 m (1 foot) long.

2 December 2009

Cooperating winds show rare glimpse into Pu`u `Ō `ō crater

Thanks to cooperating winds, views into Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater were only slightly obscured by fume today. These photos show a rare glimpse of the rubble covered walls and floor of the crater. The piece of equipment on the rim of the crater is the Pu`u `Ō `ō webcam, which is available to view on the Webcams page of the HVO website. The photo on the left was taken looking south, the photo on the right looking southwest.
 Thanks to cooperating winds, views into Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater were only slightly obscured by fume today. These photos show a rare glimpse of the rubble covered walls and floor of the crater. The piece of equipment on the rim of the crater is the Pu`u `Ō `ō webcam, which is available to view on the Webcams page of the HVO website. The photo on the left was taken looking south, the photo on the right looking southwest.
Thanks to cooperating winds, views into Pu`u `Ō `ō Crater were only slightly obscured by fume today. These photos show a rare glimpse of the rubble covered walls and floor of the crater. The piece of equipment on the rim of the crater is the Pu`u `Ō `ō webcam, which is available to view on the Webcams page of the HVO website. The photo on the left was taken looking south, the photo on the right looking southwest.
Aerial view of the Waikupanaha (large plume) and West Waikupanaha ocean entries. The West Waikupanaha entry spans the coastline where the numerous small, wispy plumes are visible. The entries remain active as lava continues to enter the ocean through both lava tubes and surface flows.
Aerial view of the Waikupanaha (large plume) and West Waikupanaha ocean entries. The West Waikupanaha entry spans the coastline where the numerous small, wispy plumes are visible. The entries remain active as lava continues to enter the ocean through both lava tubes and surface flows.

21 November 2009

Quicktime movie showing a small explosive event in the Halema`uma`u vent

This Quicktime movie (at x2 speed) shows a small explosive event in the Halema`uma`u vent at 9:20am. The explosion was immediately preceded by a portion of the vent rim collapsing into the vent cavity. The brown plume rises rapidly from the vent, and in the full resolution video large particles can be seen ejected in front of the plume. In the video shown here, it is possible to see some of these particles impact the crater wall—look for several small white puffs to appear on the crater wall just ahead of the rising brown plume (about 7-9 seconds into the video clip). No ejecta was found at the Halema`uma`u Overlook, indicating that few, if any particles, reached the crater rim.
This Quicktime movie (at x2 speed) shows a small explosive event in the Halema`uma`u vent at 9:20am. The explosion was immediately preceded by a portion of the vent rim collapsing into the vent cavity. The brown plume rises rapidly from the vent, and in the full resolution video large particles can be seen ejected in front of the plume. In the video shown here, it is possible to see some of these particles impact the crater wall—look for several small white puffs to appear on the crater wall just ahead of the rising brown plume (about 7-9 seconds into the video clip). No ejecta was found at the Halema`uma`u Overlook, indicating that few, if any particles, reached the crater rim.

20 November 2009

Three separate steam plumes merge into one at Waikupanaha

At the Waikupanaha ocean entry (left), three separate steam plumes merge into one as the wind blows the steam offshore. The west Waikupanaha entry is spread out over a larger area with at least 5 separate lava entry points. This photo was taken looking southeast.
 Standing at the former time lapse camera site on the rim of Pool 1 of the perched channel, geologists measure the depth of the March 2009 collapse. A hammer head was attached to a steel cable and lowered over the edge until it hit the floor of the collapse pit. When the hammer hit the bottom, the cable was marked, and the depth was measured at 16.5 m (54 ft) deep.
Left. At the Waikupanaha ocean entry (left), three separate steam plumes merge into one as the wind blows the steam offshore. The west Waikupanaha entry is spread out over a larger area with at least 5 separate lava entry points. This photo was taken looking southeast. Right.Standing at the former time lapse camera site on the rim of Pool 1 of the perched channel, geologists measure the depth of the March 2009 collapse. A hammer head was attached to a steel cable and lowered over the edge until it hit the floor of the collapse pit. When the hammer hit the bottom, the cable was marked, and the depth was measured at 16.5 m (54 ft) deep.

19 November 2009

Quicktime movie showing lava within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity

This Quicktime movie shows lava within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards below the vent rim. The lava surface, with is about 20 yards wide, is extremely vigorous, with constant roiling and semi-continuous spattering. Spatter deposited on the walls around the lava surface creates a hot, unstable surface, which can be seen to disintegrate as large blocks break off and fall into the lava.
This Quicktime movie shows lava within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards below the vent rim. The lava surface, which is about 20 yards wide, is extremely vigorous, with constant roiling and semi-continuous spattering. Spatter deposited on the walls around the lava surface creates a hot, unstable surface, which can be seen to disintegrate as large blocks break off and fall into the lava.

15 November 2009

Open channel of lava and scattered breakouts at Waikupanaha ocean entry

A small open channel of lava was entering the water at one of two entry points at the west Waikupanaha entry area.
A small open channel of lava was entering the water at one of two entry points at the west Waikupanaha entry area.
This photo is looking east towards the three ocean entry points active today. The most distant, and most vigorous, is the Waikupanaha entry, which has been active since March 2008. In the foreground are two entry points at the west Waikupanaha entry area, which has been active over the past few weeks.
Scattered breakouts, like the one shown here, continue to be active on the coastal plain and are situated west of the main Waikupanaha tube and just inland of the west Waikupanaha ocean entry.
Left. This photo is looking east towards the three ocean entry points active today. The most distant, and most vigorous, is the Waikupanaha entry, which has been active since March 2008. In the foreground are two entry points at the west Waikupanaha entry area, which has been active over the past few weeks. Right.Scattered breakouts, like the one shown here, continue to be active on the coastal plain and are situated west of the main Waikupanaha tube and just inland of the west Waikupanaha ocean entry.

6 November 2009

Lava continues at Waikupanaha and surface activity at Kalapana access road

Lava continues to flow into the ocean at the well-established Waikupanaha ocean entry. About 700 yards to the west (up the coastline in this photograph), the new ocean entry puts off a small plume that is barely visible from this vantage point. Surface flows (light grey flows) in between the two ocean entries were only 100 yards shy of reaching the ocean, but did not appear active from the air.
Surface activity continued in several small areas above the Kalapana access road, burning more vegetation in the forested kipuka. The trailhead to the county viewing area sits at the end of what remains of the access road, shown here at the top-middle portion of the photograph.
Left. Lava continues to flow into the ocean at the well-established Waikupanaha ocean entry. About 700 yards to the west (up the coastline in this photograph), the new ocean entry puts off a small plume that is barely visible from this vantage point. Surface flows (light grey flows) in between the two ocean entries were only 100 yards shy of reaching the ocean, but did not appear active from the air. Right.Surface activity continued in several small areas above the Kalapana access road, burning more vegetation in the forested kipuka. The trailhead to the county viewing area sits at the end of what remains of the access road, shown here at the top-middle portion of the photograph.

4 November 2009

Awesome sites at Waikupanaha ocean entry

Activity at the west Waikupanaha ocean entry, where lava reached the ocean this past weekend, continues. The entry spans about 200 yards, with many small lava streams entering the water.
 One of the entry points, on the east side of the west Waikupanaha entry.
Left. Activity at the west Waikupanaha ocean entry, where lava reached the ocean this past weekend, continues. The entry spans about 200 yards, with many small lava streams entering the water. Right.One of the entry points, on the east side of the west Waikupanaha entry.
On the east margin of the entry, lobes were advancing over a small black sand beach.
 Breakouts continued near the County lava viewing trail. This breakout, which is burning a downed hala tree, was about 300 yards west of the trailhead.
Left. On the east margin of the entry, lobes were advancing over a small black sand beach. Right.Breakouts continued near the County lava viewing trail. This breakout, which is burning a downed hala tree, was about 300 yards west of the trailhead.

3 November 2009

Several collapses exposed more of the lava deep within Halema`uma`u vent

Several collapses early this morning exposed more of the lava pond deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. For the last several days, glowing and spattering holes (top image) have been active on the floor of the vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards below the vent rim. At 3:06 am, a partial collapse of the floor created a single large opening within which lava was vigorously spattering (middle image). The opening enlarged further with another collapse around 6 am, which improved the view of the circulating lava pond (bottom image). These images are from the Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam, which can be viewed via the 'webcams' link at the top of this page.
Several collapses early this morning exposed more of the lava pond deep within the Halema`uma`u vent cavity. For the last several days, glowing and spattering holes (top image) have been active on the floor of the vent cavity, at a depth of about 200 yards below the vent rim. At 3:06 am, a partial collapse of the floor created a single large opening within which lava was vigorously spattering (middle image). The opening enlarged further with another collapse around 6 am, which improved the view of the circulating lava pond (bottom image). These images are from the Halema`uma`u Overlook webcam, which can be viewed via the "webcams" link at the top of this page.

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