A drone mission on May 31, 2018, filmed details of the dramatic changes occurring within Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kilauea’s summit since explosive eruptions of ash and gas and ongoing wall collapse began in mid-May.
A drone mission on May 31, 2018, filmed details of the dramatic changes occurring within Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kilauea’s summit since explosive eruptions of ash and gas and ongoing wall collapse began in mid-May.
Clearly visible are the steep, and in places, overhung crater walls, new cracks and faults that reflect ongoing subsidence of the area and intense steaming from a new collapse pit on the north margin of Halema‘uma‘u in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Footage also shows yellow sulfur precipitate on the rubble-covered floor and a scattering of large ballistic blocks around the crater rim.
This video was taken from a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems). Limited UAS flights into this hazardous area are conducted with permission and coordination with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The overflights collect visual information on what is happening at this rapidly changing eruption site. This information informs assessment of hazards, which is shared with the National Park Service and emergency managers.
Video by the U.S. Geological Survey and Office of Aviation Services, Department of the Interior, with support from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
