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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 erupting from a fissure
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS image.

Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS image.

lava erupting from a fissure
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea
Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea

Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS image.

Aerial image of the Southwest Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea, viewed during an overflight at approximately 6 a.m. on June 3, 2024. USGS image.

A shiny black lava flow is bordered by angular, frothy fragments of glassy rock scattered over a gravelly landscape
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024
Fresh lava spatter litters the ground next to a new lava flow from the Kīlauea Southwest Rift Zone fissure eruption of June 3 2024

Frothy, glassy fragments of lava from the fountains of Kīlauea's June 3 eruption fissures were found scattered around newly-erupted lava flows. These tephra contain valuable geochemical information about the magma which fueled the eruption. USGS image by D. Downs. 

Frothy, glassy fragments of lava from the fountains of Kīlauea's June 3 eruption fissures were found scattered around newly-erupted lava flows. These tephra contain valuable geochemical information about the magma which fueled the eruption. USGS image by D. Downs. 

orange glow of lava from Kīlauea seen in the dark
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House. 

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House. 

orange glow of lava in the distance at night
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024
Glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano - June 3, 2024

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House.

The glow from the eruption of Kīlauea volcano, visible from Volcano House in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during the early morning hours of June 3. Image courtesy of Volcano House.

Ground cracks spider into the distance on a gravelly black landscape. In the background, bigger cracks emit plumes of gas
Ground cracks near the new eruptive fissures in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone, June 3, 2024
Ground cracks near the new eruptive fissures in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone, June 3, 2024
Ground cracks near the new eruptive fissures in Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone, June 3, 2024

Scientists observed cracks in previous eruptive surfaces near the new fissure eruption southwest of Kīlauea's summit on June 3, 2024. These cracks ranged from a few centimeters (inches) to approximately 2 meters (6.6 feet) wide.

Scientists observed cracks in previous eruptive surfaces near the new fissure eruption southwest of Kīlauea's summit on June 3, 2024. These cracks ranged from a few centimeters (inches) to approximately 2 meters (6.6 feet) wide.

Color photograph of eruption glow at night and the silhouette of trees in the foreground
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption glow - June 3, 2024

Kīlauea's eruption plume illuminated during the early morning hours of June 3, 2024, visible from the Volcano Golf Course area. USGS image by D.A. Phillips. 

Kīlauea's eruption plume illuminated during the early morning hours of June 3, 2024, visible from the Volcano Golf Course area. USGS image by D.A. Phillips. 

Color photograph of eruption plume and stars
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024
Kīlauea eruption plume at 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024

By approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024, the glow from the eruption that started just hours prior at Kīlauea had significantly decreased. USGS image by D. Downs. 

By approximately 3:30 a.m. HST on June 3, 2024, the glow from the eruption that started just hours prior at Kīlauea had significantly decreased. USGS image by D. Downs. 

Kīlauea summit with lava fountains
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava fountain at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava fountain at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava fountain at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava fountain at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava fountains at the summit of Kīlauea with black and glowing lava in the foreground
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava fountains at the summit of Kīlauea with black and glowing lava in the foreground
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava fountains at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

lava fountains at the summit of Kīlauea
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023
Kīlauea summit eruption - September 11, 2023

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

HVO geologists observed the new eruption within Kīlauea summit caldera during an eruption-monitoring overflight the morning of September 11, 2023. Multiple minor fountains remain active in the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u crater floor and on the downdropped block within Kīlauea's summit caldera.

view of the summit eruption at Kīlauea showing fissures and lava
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea
Eruption at the summit of Kīlauea

From the Uēkahuna overlook, the new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea is visible. The farthest east fissure is near the to margin of downdropped block that formed during the 2018 summit collapse. The base of the main fissure, which is farthest west (right on the image), is approximately 70 meters wide.

From the Uēkahuna overlook, the new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea is visible. The farthest east fissure is near the to margin of downdropped block that formed during the 2018 summit collapse. The base of the main fissure, which is farthest west (right on the image), is approximately 70 meters wide.

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 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.

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