This compilation shows thermal maps of the initial days of the ongoing eruption in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. The high initial eruption rates in the opening day of the eruption supplied numerous lava fountains that covered the entire crater floor with new lava. Over the next few days the eruption rates declined and stabilized, supplying a smaller lava lake area in the southwestern portion of the crater. The scale of the thermal map ranges from blue to red, with blue colors indicative of cooler temperatures and red colors indicative of warmer temperatures.

(BIVN) – Some new video published by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory today shows a geologist braving the heat of the Kilauea lava lake, to retrieve a sample for scientific analysis.

The eruption of Kilauea continues at the summit caldera, although the activity is decreasing as time goes on. Things were far more intense when lava first broke through the surface on June 7th. Just a few hours after the eruption began, video was recorded showing a geologist scouting the perimeter of the crater floor for a location to best sample the lava that was being produced by the new vents that opened earlier that morning.

Initial lava flows inundated the crater floor, and the Observatory notes that although the flows on the perimeter were solid by the time geologists arrived, they were still hot to touch.

Using a rock hammer to gather the material, the sample is cooled in a bucket before being air lifted away. Scientists hope an analysis of the samples will provide insights into the geochemical make-up of the lava being erupted.

The Observatory notes that access to this hazardous area is by permission from, and in coordination with, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Geologists say the activity has diminished, all is now concentrated in the southwestern and central portions of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. All previously active lava features in the northern and eastern portions of the crater now appear to be stagnant. They also report summit tilt switched from ongoing deflation, to mild inflation, as of early Monday afternoon. The eruption remains confined to the summit caldera, and the volcano alert level remains at Watch.