Volcano Lava Churning

Volcano's lava churning 512Kb MPEG4 4.86 mb, Volcano's lava churning OGV format 5.30 which is a free, open standard container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. The OGG format is unrestricted by software patents and is designed to provide for efficient streaming and manipulation of high quality digital multimedia.

Copyrights and Credits: USGS-authored or produced data and information are considered to be in the U.S. public domain.

U.S. Department of the Interior Disclaime: Information presented on this website is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credit is requested. Video Producer, Videographer: Matt Patrick , U.S. Geological Survey.

Title: As the Lava Churns

Description: On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera.

As lava gushes across the opening, its surface is disrupted by waves, splashes, bursting gas bubbles, and spatters of molten rock. It is not known how long these conditions will continue. The lava surface could soon crust over or drop to a lower level— or it could keep going, as shown here, for days, weeks, or months.

For safety reasons, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has closed access to the summit vent, which has erupted explosively numerous times since it opened in March 2008. However, the public can see spectacular views the vent— especially the orange glow it emits after dark— from an overlook at Jaggar Museum or via HVO Webcams.

Location: HI, USA. Date Taken: 6/3/2009. Video Producer, Videographer: Matt Patrick , U.S. Geological Survey