The Changes in Kilauea's Lava Lake In April

USGS-HVO: Kīlauea's summit eruption continues on the Island of Hawai‘i; Halema‘uma‘u west vent erupts lava into the lava lake, which was 227 m (744 ft) deep this morning, April 29. Gas emissions and seismic activity at the summit remain elevated. HVO field crews—equipped with specialized safety gear—monitor the eruption from within the closed area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with NPS permission. HVO scientists collect detailed data to assess hazards and understand how the eruption is evolving at Kīlauea's summit, all of which are shared with the National Park Service and emergency managers. Access to this hazardous area is by permission from, and in coordination with, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Image 1: The lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active but the area of active surface lava has diminished over the past two weeks. This image compares photos from April 17, when active lava extended to the levees along most of the perimeter, to April 28, when only the central portion remained active and very little surface lava reached the levees. USGS photos by M. Patrick. Image 2: