The presence of water in Halema‘uma‘u has sparked an important discussion about what the pond means for future eruptions at Kīlauea Volcano. There are no written records of water at
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
VOLCANOWatch: HVO’s Geological Sample Collections are an Important Resource
In the past, HVO would occasionally post images of people collecting lava samples on our website. These photos usually featured a person (with little-exposed skin) holding a rock hammer, with
VOLCANOWatch: Old bombs Found on Mauna Loa – The Rest of the Story (Part 1)
In late February 2020, Hawaii media reported on the recent discovery of two bombs on the north flank of Mauna Loa, but details were lacking. Today, we offer more info.
VOLCANOWatch: This Week Marks 65 years Since Kīlauea Volcano’s Eruption
February 28, 2020, marks the 65th anniversary of Kīlauea Volcano’s 1955 lower East Rift Zone eruption. In recognition of this historic event, we look back at the eruption and compare
VOLCANOWatch: Chemical Analyses Shed Light on Possible Origins of Island Ash Deposits
The origin(s) of volcanic ash deposits on the Island of Hawai‘i have been an enigma, especially those found on and between Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. We know that ash is
VOLCANOWatch: Endangered Plant Survives Volcanic Hotspot, but is Challenged by Invasive Species
Portulaca sclerocarpa (also known as ‛Ihi mākole) is a critically endangered small succulent plant in the purslane family (Portulacaceae). It only occurs on the Island of Hawai‘i and on a small
VOLCANOWatch: People and jobs at HVO, Part 1 – What on earth is a geodesist?
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is responsible for monitoring active volcanoes in Hawaii, which involves assessing hazards and communicating with interagency partners and the public. Our mission also includes
VOLCANOWatch: Scientists Look to Hawaiian Chants for Mention of Past Crater Lakes
The Halemaʻumaʻu crater lake at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano is on everyone’s mind at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. This is the first lake of groundwater observed on the
VOLCANOWatch: An Important Point – Measuring the Volcano’s Shape with High Precision GNSS
When you think of GPS, what typically comes to mind? Your phone, the navigation in your car or maybe your watch? The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a US satellite-navigation
VOLCANOWatch: Honoring the Career and Contributions of an HVO Shining Star
On March 30, 2018, a change occurred within the ranks of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s staff when geophysicist Asta Miklius retired. One month later, a collapse at Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō