PHOTOS: Lava Continues to Ocean

The U.S. Geological Survey released these photos from an overflight of the East Rift Zone on Monday, July 23, 2018.

Lava continued to enter the sea near Ahalanui during HVO’s early morning helicopter overflight of Kīlauea’s lower East Rift Zone (view to northeast).

Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone on July 23, 2018. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

The southern margin of the flow was still about .3 milese from the boat ramp at Isaac Hale Park this morning. The jetty along the launch ramp is visible near the center of the photo.

The Fissure 8 channel continues to carry lava toward the coast on the west side of Kapoho Crater (vegetated cone, far left).

Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone on July 23, 2018. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

Northwest of this cone, overflows (lower left) of the channel occurred overnight, but lava was confined to the existing flow field and did not threaten any homes or structures.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field geologists track volcanic activity at Fissure 8 (spatter cone in background).

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory field geologists on July 23, 2018. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

They collect tephra (airborne lava fragments, such as Pele’s hair, pumice, and other lightweight volcanic glass) for geochemical analyses and observe the Fissure 8 vent to characterize changes in lava fountain behavior.

As part of their ongoing monitoring work, HVO scientists measure temperatures at ground cracks along the fissure system in the Leilani Estates subdivision.

HVO scientists measure temperatures at ground cracks. Click to enlarge. PC: USGS

On Monday, July 23, 2018, temperatures ranged from from 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is consistent with past readings.