Update and Pictures of East Rift Zone

The U.S. Geological Survey released these pictures of the current activity in the Lower East Rift Zone on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.

The fissure complex, pictured in the upper right, continues to feed a meandering lava flow (in the center).

Lava in the easternmost lobe is entering the ocean (white plume). Click to Enlarge. (USGS Photo)

The fissure complex remains active in Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone.

At times, fountaining at Fissure 22 reached a height of about 50 m (about 160 ft). Click to enlarge. (USGS Photo)

View during an early morning overflight of Kīlauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone.

Two fissures (not pictured) are sending lava down two channels that merge near the coast. Click to enlarge. (USGS Photo)

Solidified lava from Fissure 17 (located to the east of the currently active fissure complex) has a consistency similar to toothpaste.

Click to enlarge. (USGS Photo)

Aerial view of an active lava break-out.

Click to enlarge