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The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) team of the U.S. Geological Survey assessed conditions at the fissure 8 cone and upper lava channel on Aug. 17, 2018.
At the time of the flight, the lava pond within the cone had crusted over with no observed incandescence.
The reddish-brown rock inside the cone is the result of oxidation; the interaction of heated rock and gases causes black basaltic cinders to change color, similar to rust forming on metal.