Kīlauea Volcano — Morning Overflight (June 19, 2018)

Geology field crews on the ground near the Kīlauea's fissure 8 midday on June 19, 2018 observed a still-vigorous channelized lava flow being fed by lava fountains at the vent. Standing waves are visible within the channel. Cascades/rapids are visible near the base of the cone, which is an estimated 50 m (164 ft) high. The maximum flow velocity in the channel is 7.7 m/s (17 mph). During the morning overflight, several small overflows could be seen along the channel margins. The flow of lava is more rapid in the center of the channel and decreases in speed toward the margins where friction with the channel walls increases. The lava flow forks as it nears the ocean, creating two ocean entry points.
----------

Find this video and thousands more at https://usgs.gov/gallery.

Stay up-to-date on USGS topics and news on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and more at https://usgs.gov/socialmedia.

DYK? The USGS.gov site is completely mobile! Ditch the desktop and browse the latest earth science on your mobile device. Go to https://usgs.gov.