Subscribe Now
Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account
Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber?
Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.
During a helicopter overflight of Kilauea volcano on Monday, Dec. 21, at approximately 11:30 a.m. HST, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists observed the northern fissure and lava cascade (right) supplying the majority of the lava into the lake, while the western (left) fissure was feeding several small channels that were entering the lake. The lava lake has been rising approximately several meters (yards) an hour since the eruption began at approximately 9:30 p.m. HST on Sunday, Dec. 20. USGS video.