USGS Multimedia Gallery Video Collection for: Natural Hazards

Shatter Ring on PKK Lava Tube (March 20-22, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The flow field feature seen here is called a shatter ring. Shatter rings are circular to elliptical volcanic features, typically tens of meters (yards) in diameter, which form over active lava tubes. They are typified by an upraised rim of blocky rubble and a central depression. Dozens of shatter rings have been identified on volcanoes in Hawai`i, and have also been reported from basaltic lava fields in Iceland, Australia, Italy, and the mainland United States. They form when lava pressure in the tube repeatedly exceeds the strength of the overlying rock. Repeated flexing of the lava-tube roof piles up rubble around the edges of the mobile area. The shatter ring shown here, informally called the Campout Shatter Ring because it was first seen while HVO geologists were camping near Pu`u `O`o conducting a multi-day research study, was about 40 meters (130 feet) across. This video shows a series of four uplift cycles over three days. The uplift is obvious during daylight hours, while at night only the associated breakout is visible.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) east of the shatter ring. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per 10 minutes, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (June 11, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

To document changes in the lava stream level within the Prince Kuhio Kalaniana`ole (PKK) lava tube, a time-lapse camera was placed on the brink of a lava tube skylight (an opening in the roof of the lava tube) with a view of the lava. This skylight was informally called the Petunia skylight because short, lobate lava flows, looking like petals on a flower, had emerged from and chilled around the skylight. The camera successfully captured several abrupt and short-lived increases in lava stream level that eventually sealed the skylight shut. This video shows one of these brief increases in lava level. Note how a standing wave forms on the surface of the lava stream as the level begins to rise. With further lava stream rise, the standing wave gives way to a turbulent surface with the wave appearing to roll back upstream and culminates in a nearly stationary, bubbling surface just below the mouth of the skylight. As the level drops, the lava stream reverses back through each of these stages.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Lava Level Change in PKK Tube Skylight (August 19, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

To document changes in the lava stream level within the Prince Kuhio Kalaniana`ole (PKK) lava tube, a time-lapse camera was placed on the brink of a lava tube skylight (an opening in the roof of the lava tube) with a view of the lava. Despite its proximity to high radiant heat from the lava, the camera successfully captured several abrupt and short-lived increases in lava stream level that eventually sealed the skylight shut. This video shows one of these brief increases in lava level.

The images that comprise this video were acquired from the edge of a skylight informally called Kelly's skylight. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Collapse, Refilling, and Uplift of Pu`u `O`o Crater (June 10-July 25, 2007)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

On June 17-19, 2007, and intrusion into Kilauea's upper east rift zone led to the cessation of eruptive activity at Pu`u `O`o and the collapse of the Pu`u `O`o crater floor. This is chronicled on these two HVO Web pages: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_06_19.html; http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_06_26.html. The quiet did not last long though, and lava began to erupt on the floor of the Pu`u `O`o crater in early July (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_07_23.html). After several days of slow filling, the crater began to uplift as pressure increased below. Then, just after midnight on July 21, 2007, a new fissure eruption broke out on the eastern flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr07_21_07.html; http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_09_08.html) and Pu`u `O`o's crater floor collapsed again.

This video was made by stitching together webcam images into a panoramic view. The webcam was positioned on the north rim of the Pu`u `O`o crater, and only one panoramic view was selected per day spanning the events described above. The resulting video is played at 6 frames per second.

Drainback Event During Refilling of Pu`u `O`o Crater (July 5-6, 2007)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

On June 17-19, 2007, and intrusion into Kilauea's upper east rift zone led to the cessation of eruptive activity at Pu`u `O`o and the collapse of the Pu`u `O`o crater floor. This is chronicled on these two HVO Web pages: http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_06_19.html; http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_06_26.html. The quiet did not last long though, and lava began to erupt on the floor of the Pu`u `O`o crater by July 2 (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_07_23.html) from an eastern and a western vent on the crater floor. The crater floor was quickly buried and the crater began to refill with lava. Several time during the early part of the refilling process, lava from the western vent stopped erupting, partly drained back into the vent, then quickly re-emerged as the vent resumed its eruption. This video shows one of these drainback events followed by a smaller secondary drainback during the night of July 5-6, 2007. This camera was later lost when the crater floor and a portion of the crater rim collapsed following the July 21, 2007 fissure eruption (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr07_21_07.html; http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_09_08.html).

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on the northwestern rim of the Pu`u `O`o crater about 185 meters (600 feet) from the erupting vent. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 15 frames per second.

Refilling of Pu`u `O`o Crater (July 8, 2007)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The images that comprise this video were made by stitching together three webcam images into a panoramic view. The webcam was positioned on the north rim of the Pu`u `O`o crater and acquired a group of images every minute. The images within each group were acquired about 6 seconds apart, and the time-stamp shown on each frame in the video is based on the timing of the right-hand image. The resulting video is played at 15 frames per second.

Refilling of Pu`u `O`o Crater (July 13, 2007)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on the northeastern rim of the Pu`u `O`o crater about 125 meters (410 feet) from the erupting eastern vent. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 15 frames per second.

Dome Fountain Over Fissure D of the July 21, 2007 Eruption (September 20, 2007)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on a small cliff about 70 meters (230 feet) west of the dome fountain. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame every two minutes, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Perched Lava Channel - July 21, 2007 Eruption (November 15, 2007)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned just below the eastern rim of Pu`u `O`o, about 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles) west of the perched channel. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame every minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Rootless Shield Flank Collapse - July 21, 2007 Eruption (December 1, 2007)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Just after midnight on July 21, 2007, a new fissure eruption broke out on the eastern flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr07_21_07.html). Activity quickly focused on the easternmost fissure—Fissure D—and lava began flowing to the northeast (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_09_08.html) eventually creating a lava channel perched up to 45 meters (150 ft) above the pre-existing lava surface. On November 21, 2007, lava found an easier path to the surface and broke out from directly over Fissure D on what was, by then, the southern flank of the perched channel (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr11_21_07.html). Lava flows became focused to the south of Fissure D and quickly began to build a string of rootless shields—low hills of lava formed over a lava tube instead of a volcanic vent. The rapid accumulation of lava did not allow flows to completely cool before being buried by subsequent flows. This resulted in the storage of molten or semi-molten lava within or ponded on the flanks of the rootless shields. At times, shield flank collapses released a body of this stored lava to produce rapidly moving `a`a flows. The video here shows the rapid release of lava ponded on the eastern flank of a rootless shield on December 1, 2007. Steep walls surrounding the ponded lava come into view as the lava drains to the southeast (to the left). Huge chunks of cooled and coherent lava can be seen being carried along by the flow.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on the west flank of Kupaianaha, a lava shield active between 1986 and 1992. The camera is about 500 meters (0.3 miles) east of the lava flow. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame every two minutes, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Rootless Shield Flank Collapse - July 21, 2007 Eruption (January 26, 2008)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Just after midnight on July 21, 2007, a new fissure eruption broke out on the eastern flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr07_21_07.html). Activity quickly focused on the easternmost fissure—Fissure D—and lava began flowing to the northeast (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/archive/2007_09_08.html) eventually creating a lava channel perched up to 45 meters (150 ft) above the pre-existing lava surface. On November 21, 2007, lava found an easier path to the surface and broke out from directly over Fissure D on what was, by then, the southern flank of the perched channel (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr11_21_07.html). Lava flows became focused to the south of Fissure D and quickly began to build a string of rootless shields—low hills of lava formed over a lava tube instead of a volcanic vent. The rapid accumulation of lava did not allow flows to completely cool before being buried by subsequent flows. This resulted in the storage of molten or semi-molten lava within or ponded on the flanks of the rootless shields. At times, shield flank collapses released a body of this stored lava to produce rapidly moving `a`a flows. The video here shows the rapid release of lava ponded at the top of a rootless shield on January 26, 2008. Steep walls surrounding the ponded lava come into view as the lava drains to the south (to the left). Huge chunks of cooled and coherent lava can be seen being carried along by the advancing `a`a flow. The terminus of this flow entered the upper part of the mostly-abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision before stagnating.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) south of a steep-sided rootless shield topped by a lava pond. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame every minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Halema`uma`u Ash Emission (August 20, 2008)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Beginning in early January 2008, sulfur dioxide emission rates from the summit area of Kilauea increased to 2 to 10 times above background values, prompting partial closure of the summit region by late February. On March 12, 2008, a new gas vent appeared low on the southeast wall of Halema`uma`u Crater (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr03_14_08.html). At 0258 on March 19, an explosive eruption occurred (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr03_19_08.html), opening and widening the gas vent slightly and scattering lithic lapilli and coarse ash over an area of about 50 hectares (124 acres). Several more explosive eruptions and dozens of ashy, brown-colored plumes have puncuated the otherwise gray-white gas plume since the initial vent opening (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links to specific events). Though debatable, it is thought that most of these ashy plumes were caused by collapses of the vent walls. This video, from August 20, 2008, is a good example of what the ashy plumes look like, and clearly shows the collapse of a portion of the vent wall, on the eastern (left) side of the vent, preceding the emission of ash.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a video monitoring system in the observation tower of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory about 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) north of the vent. The original video acquisition rate was 5 frames per second, and the resulting video is played at 50 frames per second.

Halema`uma`u Explosive Eruption (September 2, 2008)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

An explosive eruption from the informally-named Overlook vent at Kilauea's summit (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano) occurred on September 2, 2008. This eruption was dominated by juvenile scoria and was the largest eruption to date in terms of mass erupted. The event occurred at night with incandescent tephra erupting from the vent like fireworks, as seen in this video.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a video monitoring system (recording in a low-light mode) in the observation tower of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory about 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) north of the vent. The original video acquisition rate was 5 frames per second, and the resulting video is played at 50 frames per second.

Halema`uma`u Explosive Eruption (October 12, 2008)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

On October 12, 2008, an explosive eruption, shown in this video, blasted lithic and juvenile tephra onto the Halema`uma`u crater rim 85 meters (280 feet) above the informally-named Overlook vent (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano). It was the most powerful eruption to date in terms of seismic energy released. The mushroom-shaped ash cloud released by the eruption engulfed the crater rim above the vent, and falling tephra shattered solar panels for nearby equipment. Bright orange incandescence from hot gas and particles reached well above the level of the crater rim. Notice the appearance of dust on the ground surface behind the crater rim on the east (left) side of the plume several seconds after the ashy plume billows from the vent. This is presumably dust kicked up by tephra falling back to the ground after being ejected from the vent.

Halema`uma`u Explosive Eruption (October 12, 2008)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a webcam positioned on the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater about 85 meters (280 feet) above the Overlook vent. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame every 2 seconds, and the resulting video is played at 12 frames per second.

Halema`uma`u Explosive Eruption (October 14, 2008)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

A sequence of collapses scattered over several hours on October 14, 2008, culminated in an explosive eruption that blasted lithic and juvenile tephra onto the Halema`uma`u crater rim 85 meters (280 feet) above the informally-named Overlook vent (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano). The October 14 explosive eruption blasted lithic and juvenile tephra onto the Halema`uma`u crater rim 85 meters (280 feet) above the vent. Collapse of the western (upper left) side of the vent rim is visible through the fume 15-20 seconds before the ash emission starts.

Halema`uma`u Vent Rim Collapse (October 14, 2008)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

This video, from October 14, 2008, shows two collapses of the rim of the informally-named Overlook vent and the subsequent emission of ash (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano). These collapses were part of a sequence of collapses that occurred on October 14 and which culminated in an explosive eruption later in the afternoon that blasted tephra onto the Halema`uma`u crater rim.

Halema`uma`u Gas Plume Variations (November 17, 2008)

Tim Orr — Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The erupting vent within Halema`uma`u Crater at Kilauea's summit (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano) typically produces a white to gray gas plume dominated by steam. While ashy plumes released by collapses and explosive events are exciting, even the behavior of the ""typical"" gas plume is interesting and occassionally undergoes rapid changes in plume vigor. This video, from November 17, 2008, shows a day in the life of the gas plume rising from the informally-named Overlook vent. On this day, the plume was especially dynamic with the plume becoming very small several times throughout the day.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a webcam in the observation tower of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory about 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) north of the vent. The image acquisition rate was roughly 1 frame per minute and the resulting video is played at 15 frames per second.

Eruption from Dave's Vent in Pu`u `O`o Crater (March 2, 2004)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Late 2003 through early 2004 marked a period of heightened eruptive activity at Pu`u `O`o, on Kilauea Volcano's east rift zone, with lava frequently spilling from vents within the Pu`u `O`o crater. This time-lapse video, captured by a Webcam located on the northern rim of the Pu`u `O`o crater, shows lava erupting from a spatter cone on the southwestern side of the crater floor, informally known as Dave's vent, on March 2, 2004. The vent is about 275 meters (900 feet) from the camera. While most of the erupted lava accumulated below the northern crater wall, some also poured out of the crater through the West gap—the low area on the right-hand side of the video—and sent a short lava flow down Pu`u `O`o's northwestern flank.

The time-lapse video is a panorama composed of two images with the left-hand image acquired about 6 seconds before the right-hand image. The time-stamp shown on each frame is based on the timing of the right-hand image. The image acquisition rate was approximately 1 frame per 45 seconds, and the resulting video is played at 15 frames per second.

Long-Term Change at MLK Vent (April 2, 2004 to October 28, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

A time lapse camera was poised on the southern flank of Pu`u `O`o cone from early 2004 through mid-2007. This location overlooked the Martin Luther King (MLK) vent and provided a distant view of the top of the Prince Kuhio Kalanianaole (PKK) tube system—the lava tube system active at Pu`u `O`o from 2004 to 2007. This movie shows the long-term development of the MLK and PKK vents by stitching together one image per day from April 2004 through October 2006. Some days are missing due to bad visibility or camera malfunction. Images were, in most cases, rotated and cropped to accomodate unavoidable changes in camera position.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on the south flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone about 70 meters (230 feet) away from the MLK vent, in the foreground. The video is played at 10 frames per second.

Cone Collapse at MLK Vent (May 2, 2005)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

During Spring 2005, activity at the Martin Luther King (MLK) vent, an eruptive vent on the southwestern flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone, changed from a period of construction to one of destruction. This was highlighted by the collapse of the main MLK spatter cone. The drainback of lava beneath the spatter cone, following the extrusion of lava, likely removed support of the overlying rock. The cone then fell into the resultant cavity.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on the south flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone about 70 meters (230 feet) away from the MLK vent. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Pond Overflow at MLK Vent (May 10, 2005)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

After the collapse of the main spatter cone at the Martin Luther King (MLK) vent on May 2, 2005, a small lava pond was visible within the new pit. Over the following weeks, the level of the lava pond often changed abruptly, resulting in overflows and spattering along the edge of the pond. This video, captured on May 10, 2005, shows an example of this type of activity.

East Lae`apuki Lava Delta Collapse (November 28, 2005)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

At 11:10 in the morning on November 28, 2005, the lava delta at the East Lae`apuki ocean entry, on Hawai`i's southeastern coast, began to collapse into the ocean. This was not a catastrophic failure with the entire 34-acre delta going at once, but instead occurred in a piece-meal fashion over a period of just less than 5 hours. The collapse removed the almost the entire East Lae`apuki delta, plus another 10 acres of the older sea cliff inland from the delta. The resulting embayment was 830 meters (2,725 feet) long (parallel to the shoreline) and 320 meters (1, 050 feet) wide (perpendicular to the shoreline)--this is more than half a mile long and just under a quarter mile wide! At the time of the collapse, the ocean entry was being fed by lava flowing through a lava tube that originated on the southwestern flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone.

For additional information see the Press Release (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/pressreleases/pr11_29_05.html) or this Volcano Watch article (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/2006/06_05_04.html). The growth and collapse of lava deltas are discussed on this HVO Webpage (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/hazards/oceanentry/deltacollapse/).

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on the edge of the older sea-cliff at the northeastern end of the East Lae`apuki delta. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Lava Fountaining from MLK Vent (February 9-10, 2005)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

On February 9, 2005, an eruptive surge at Pu`u `O`o resulted in episodic spattering and fountaining from the MLK vent, on the southwestern flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone. The main cone active during this event was 6-7 meters (20-23 feet) high. This suggests that fountain heights reached about 10 meters (33 feet). The time-lapse camera was positioned on the south flank of the Pu`u `O`o cone about 70 meters (230 feet) away from the erupting cone and about 25 meters (80 feet) up-slope from passing lava flows. The prevailing wind direction was from behind the camera, which would have aided in keeping the camera relatively cool by blowing the heat away. In fact, if anyone had been there, they would have likely found the air temperature quite comfortable.

The images were acquired at a rate of 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Bubble Bursts at East Lae`apuki Ocean Entry (May 29, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

The interaction of sea water and lava creates a volatile situation. When this happens inside the confined space of a lava tube, or a narrow, water-filled crack, the results can be impressive. In this video, which was made from time-lapse images cropped to focus on the activity, bursting lava bubbles put on quite a show for several hours. Some of the larger bubble bursts are estimated to have reached in excess of 20 meters (65 ft) in height. The bubble bursts occurred about 350 meters (1,150 feet) away from the camera. At that distance, a person would be smaller than the numbers in the date-time watermark.

Bubble bursts and other types of explosive activity at ocean entries are described in detail on this HVO webpage (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/hazards/oceanentry/deltaexplosions/).

Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu`u `O`o Crater (June 2-3, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter. The lava then drains back into the vent. Gas pistons can occur as single events or as a repeating series comprised of dozens or even hundreds of events. During mid-2006, eruptive activity at the informally-named Drainhole vent, on the floor of Pu`u `O`o crater, was often characterized by periods of gas-pistoning. The video sequence shown here, from June 2-3, 2006, is a great example of the gas-pistoning that was occurring at that time. The opening is about 8 meters (26 feet) across and is inset within the floor of the Drainhole vent itself, which is about 25 meters (80 feet) across.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on the northern lip of the Drainhole vent and about 15 meters (50 feet) away from the opening. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu`u `O`o Crater (June 3, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter. The lava then drains back into the vent. Gas pistons can occur as single events or as a repeating series comprised of dozens or even hundreds of events. During mid-2006, eruptive activity at the informally-named Drainhole vent, on the floor of Pu`u `O`o crater, was often characterized by periods of gas-pistoning. The video sequence shown here, from June 3, 2006, is a great example of the gas-pistoning that was occurring at that time. The opening is about 8 meters (26 feet) across and is inset within the floor of the Drainhole vent itself, which is about 25 meters (80 feet) across.

Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu`u `O`o Crater (June 3, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter. The lava then drains back into the vent. Gas pistons can occur as single events or as a repeating series comprised of dozens or even hundreds of events. During mid-2006, eruptive activity at the informally-named Drainhole vent, on the floor of Pu`u `O`o crater, was often characterized by periods of gas-pistoning. The video sequence shown here, from June 3, 2006, is a great example of the gas-pistoning that was occurring at that time. The opening is about 8 meters (26 feet) across and is inset within the floor of the Drainhole vent itself, which is about 25 meters (80 feet).

East Lae`apuki Lava Breakout (June 24, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

After sunset on June 24, 2006, lava burst from the East Lae`apuki lava tube about 50 meters (165 feet) inland from the older sea cliff behind the East Lae`apuki lava delta. Lava reached and began cascading over the sea cliff within a minute, and quickly spread across the lava delta below. The cascade was mostly crusted over by late afternoon on June 25, but intermittent surges kept it alive until dawn on September 26 when the event appeared to have finally ended. This video shows only the initial several hours of the breakout. The sea cliff at the cascade location was about 15 meters (50 feet) high.

Gas-Pistoning at Drainhole Vent in Pu`u `O`o Crater (June 28, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Gas-pistoning is an interesting phenomenon seen at Kilauea and other volcanoes. It is caused by the accumulation of gas within, or the rise of a gas slug through, a column of lava. In either case, the gas pushes up the overlying lava (the "piston"). Eventually, the gas breaches the surface and escapes, sometimes as a forceful jet of fume and spatter. The lava then drains back into the vent. Gas pistons can occur as single events or as a repeating series comprised of dozens or even hundreds of events. During mid-2006, eruptive activity at the informally-named Drainhole vent, on the floor of Pu`u `O`o crater, was often characterized by periods of gas-pistoning. The video sequence shown here, from June 28, 2006, is a great example of the gas-pistoning that was occurring at that time. The Drainhole vent from this angle is about 20 meters (65 feet) across.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on the northwestern edge of the Drainhole vent. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

East Lae`apuki Lava Breakout (September 21, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Between the morning of September 20, 2006 and the evening of September 22, 2006, there were 10 separate breakouts from the East Lae`apuki tube about 50 meters (165 feet) inland from the older sea cliff behind the East Lae`apuki lava delta. This video shows the most spectacular breakout of the series with up to at least twenty separate lava cascades over the sea cliff. The breakout started just after 4:00 PM when glare from the sun was at its worst. Thus, this movie sequence starts just before sunset when the view improves dramatically.

East Lae`apuki Shatter Ring (October 16, 2006)

Tim Orr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

The lava-tube feature seen here is called a shatter ring. Shatter rings are circular to elliptical volcanic features, typically tens of meters (yards) in diameter, which form over active lava tubes. They are typified by an upraised rim of blocky rubble and a central depression. Dozens of shatter rings have been identified on volcanoes in Hawai`i, and have also been reported from basaltic lava fields in Iceland, Australia, Italy, and the mainland United States. They form when lava pressure in the tube repeatedly exceeds the strength of the overlying rock. Repeated flexing of the lava-tube roof piles up rubble around the edges of the mobile area. This shatter ring, about 55 meters (180 feet) long and and 2.5 meters (8 feet) high was active from late September to mid-October 2006. The center of the shatter ring, which becomes visible as the shatter ring uplifts, started out about a meter (3 feet) lower than the lava surface outside the shatter ring. Thus, the center of the shatter ring uplifted about 5 meters (16 feet) during this event. Lava emerges from the base of the shatter ring when the lava tube roof is pushed up out of the way and is further evidence of the overpressurization of the tube.

The images that comprise this video were acquired by a time-lapse camera positioned on a small mound of lava about 75 meters (245 feet) east of the shatter ring. The image acquisition rate was 1 frame per minute, and the resulting video is played at 10 frames per second.

Halema`uma`u Gas Vent Huffs and Puffs

Matt Patrick — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

The ongoing eruption in Halema`uma`u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano has experienced several significant interruptions in activity since it began in March 2008. The latest disruption began on June 30, 2009, when a large collapse of the vent rim dumped rubble onto the lava surface and dramatically reduced gas emissions. This period of reduced activity persisted for over a month, until August 9, when a new hot gas vent poked through the rubble on the floor of the eruptive cavity in Halema`uma`u. Following this reawakening, the Halema`uma`u vent began emitting a faint nighttime glow for the first time since July 4, 2009.

This thermal video clip, taken from the rim of Halema`uma`u Crater, shows vigorous puffing from the new gas vent, which also produces audible gas-rushing sounds. A thermal camera is used because it can 'see' through the thick fume that typically obscures the eruptive cavity.

For safety reasons, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has closed access to the summit vent, which has erupted explosively numerous times since it opened in March 2008. However, the public can see spectacular views the vent—especially the faint orange glow it emits after dark—from an overlook at Jaggar Museum or via HVO Webcams (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cams/).

Video was taken by Matt Patrick, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist, on August 10, 2009, around 4:30 p.m.

As the Lava Churns

Matt Patrick — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

On June 3, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera. As lava gushes across the opening, its surface is disrupted by waves, splashes, bursting gas bubbles, and spatters of molten rock. It is not known how long these conditions will continue. The lava surface could soon crust over or drop to a lower level— or it could keep going, as shown here, for days, weeks, or months.

For safety reasons, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has closed access to the summit vent, which has erupted explosively numerous times since it opened in March 2008. However, the public can see spectacular views the vent— especially the orange glow it emits after dark— from an overlook at Jaggar Museum or via HVO Webcams (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/cams/).

Video was taken by Matt Patrick, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist, on June 3, 2009, around 7:00 p.m.

As the Lava Churns

Tim Orr — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

On June 4, 2009, conditions provided a rare view of active lava churning within Kilauea Volcano's summit vent located in Halema'uma'u Crater. This video (actual speed) shows the surface of the circulating lava, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) below the crater floor, or 180 meters (590 feet) below the camera. As lava gushes across the opening, its surface is disrupted by waves, splashes, bursting gas bubbles, and spatters of molten rock. It is not known how long these conditions will continue. The lava surface could soon crust over or drop to a lower level— or it could keep going, as shown here, for days, weeks, or months.

Video was taken by Tim Orr, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist, on June 34, 2009.

Yes! Yellowstone is a Volcano (Part 1 of 3)

smwess - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

USGS Scientist-in-Charge of Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Jake Lowenstern, answers the following questions to explain volcanic features at Yellowstone: "How do we know Yellowstone is a volcano?", "What is a Supervolcano?", "What is a Caldera?","Why are there geysers at Yellowstone?", and "What are the other geologic hazards in Yellowstone?"

View Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this video.

Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (Part 2 of 3)

smwess - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

USGS Scientist-in-Charge of Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Jake Lowenstern, answers the following questions to provide a tour of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory: "What is YVO?", "How do you monitor volcanic activity at Yellowstone?", "How are satellites used to study deformation?", "Do you monitor geysers or any other aspect of the Park?", "Are earthquakes and ground deformation common at Yellowstone?", "Why is YVO a relatively small group?", and "Where can I get more information?"

View Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this video.

Yellowstone Eruptions (Part 3 of 3)

smwess - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

USGS Scientist-in-Charge of Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, Jake Lowenstern, answers the following questions to explain volcanic eruptions at Yellowstone: When was the last supereruption at Yellowstone?", "Have any eruptions occurred since the last supereruption?", "Is Yellowstone overdue for an eruption?", "What does the magma below indicate about a possible eruption?", "What else is possible?", and "Why didn't you think the Yellowstone Lake earthquake swarm would lead to an eruption?"

View Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this video.

USGS Crews Measure Historic Flooding in Fargo, ND

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

USGS scientists continue to monitor streamflow during the historic flooding taking place in Fargo, ND. This information provides critical information used to estimate flood dangers and helps protect lives and property.

Interview: 2009 Fargo, ND Flooding

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Interview with USGS crews regarding the 2009 flooding events in Fargo, ND.

B-Roll: USGS Crews Measure Severe Flooding in Fargo, ND (2009)

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

B-roll footage taken of USGS crews measuring severe flooding during the March 2009 flooding events in Fargo, ND.

Interview: 2009 Fargo, ND Flooding

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Interview with USGS crews regarding the 2009 flooding events in Fargo, ND.

B-Roll: USGS Crews Measure Severe Flooding in Fargo, ND (2009)

jlavista - at - usgs.gov (Jennifer LaVista) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

B-roll footage taken of USGS crews measuring severe flooding during the March 2009 flooding events in Fargo, ND.

Redoubt Volcano Plume

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Beginning in early November 2008 Redoubt Volcano, 106 miles southwest of Anchorage, AK, began to show signs of unrest including significant changes in gas emission and heat output. On November 5, 2008, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) raised Redoubt's Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory. A significant increase in earthquake activity caused AVO to raise the Aviation Color Code to ORANGE and Volcano Alert Level to Watch on January 25, 2009. Since November 2008 AVO staff conducted seven observation flights to monitor changes at Redoubt. Many of these flights have also served to measure the amount and types of gasses emanating from the volcano using specialized equipment. This video collected on February 7, 2009 illustrates vapor plumes emanating from holes in the newly deformed Drift Glacier near the volcanoes summit and on its north flank.

Preparedness Now

Theo Alexopoulos — Fri, 7 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

This film takes you on a visceral journey through the USGS ShakeOut Earthquake Scenario.

The film was created by the USGS Multi-Hazards Demonstration Project in cooperation with the Designmatters program at Art Center to depict the physical, social, and economic consequences of the most comprehensive earthquake scenario ever created. The film gives the viewers a sense of what will be happening and inspires them to prepare and mitigate for a faster recovery. The premise underlying the film is that design is a powerful catalyst that can bridge the divide between scientific understanding about damaging quakes, and the ability of the public to feel empowered and to change their behavior in terms of preparedness.

The Great ShakeOut: Jay Alan

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Deputy Director of Communications, Office of Homeland Security, Office of the Governor, California

The Great ShakeOut: Mariana Amatullo (Part 1)

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Vice President, International Initiatives Art Center College of Design Director, Designmatters

The Great ShakeOut: Mariana Amatullo (Part 2)

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Vice President, International Initiatives Art Center College of Design Director, Designmatters

The Great ShakeOut: Mark Bassett

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Deputy Regional Administrator, Governor's Office of Emergency Services, State of California

The Great ShakeOut: Denise Benson

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Division Manager, San Bernandino County Fire Deparment, Office of Emergency Services

The Great ShakeOut: Larry Collins

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

County of Los Angeles Fire Department, Captain, Special Operations Bureau

The Great ShakeOut: Cheryl Curley

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Staff Development Coordinator, Desertare

The Great ShakeOut: Jim Featherstone

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

City of Los Angeles, General Manager, Emergency Management Department

The Great ShakeOut: Ken Hudnut (Part 1)

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

U.S. Geological Survey, Geophysist, Earthquake Hazards Team

The Great ShakeOut: Ken Hudnut (Part 2)

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

U.S. Geological Survey, Geophysist, Earthquake Hazards Team

The Great ShakeOut: Peter Lent

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Deputy Director, Riverside County Fire Department, Office of Emergency Services

The Great ShakeOut: Kate Long

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Earthquake and Tsunami Program, Governor's Office of Emergency Services, State of California

The Great ShakeOut: Dennis Mileti

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Professor Emeritus University of Colorado, Boulder Natural Hazards Center

The Great ShakeOut: Allan Renazco

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Captain, California Army National Guard, Exercise Planner

The Great ShakeOut: Gary Sturdivan

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Manager, East Valley Water District Security and Emergency

San Andreas Fault: Highway

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

B-roll of trains, powerlines, roads, and utilities over the San Andreas Fault at Cajon Pass.

San Andreas Fault: Train

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

B-roll of trains, powerlines, roads, and utilities over the San Andreas Fault at Cajon Pass.

San Andreas Fault: Train

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

B-roll of trains, powerlines, roads, and utilities over the San Andreas Fault at Cajon Pass.

San Andreas Fault: Highway

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

B-roll of trains, powerlines, roads, and utilities over the San Andreas Fault at Cajon Pass.

San Andreas: Lost Lake

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

B-roll of Lost Lake directly over the San Andreas Fault at Cajon Pass.

Okmok Volcano Eruption

tneal - at - usgs.gov (Tina Neal) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video taken by AVO/USGS geologist Tina Neal during a USCG C-130 overflight of the eruption of Okmok Volcano and distant ash plume from Cleveland Volcano. July 21, 2008.

Midwest Streamflow Animation (June 2008)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Streamflow animation of the United States for June 2008 during the Midwest flooding events.

Midwest Flood Animation (June 2008)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Flood animation of the United States for June 2008 during the Midwest flooding events.

USGS Employees Building a Temporary Gage

becker - at - usgs.gov (Don Becker) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

USGS Employees Building a Temporary Gage

Measuring Streamflow with Wading Rod Near Finchford

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

USGS employees using a wading rod to measure the streamflow over a road near Finchford, IA on 6/10/2008.

Acoustic Doppler Current Profile Reading

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

USGS employees using an acoustic doppler current profiler to measure streamflow.

Rescuing Flood Victims in Coralville

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video showing flood victims being rescued by boat.

Acoustic Doppler Current Profile Reading

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

USGS employees taking acoustic doppler current profiler readings.

Temporary Gage Installation in Cedar Rapids

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video showing USGS employees installing a temporary streamgage.

Traversing Deep Water in Cedar Rapids

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video of a man walking through neck-high flood waters.

Flooding of Downtown Cedar Rapids

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video showing flooding in downtown Cedear Rapids, IA.

Wildlife Affected by Flooding in Waverly

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video showing deer traversing flood waters and the affects on wildlife.

House Colliding with Bridge

Steve Franks — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video showing a house being washed down the White River at Calico Rock in Arkansas, off of Highway 5, and colliding with a bridge. The roof of the house is ripped off completely as the house continues to pass under. Shot around 4pm.

House Colliding with Bridge (Extended Version)

Steve Franks — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Dirk Kempthorne Visits Malibu, California 2008

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Video Highlights

* Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, visits the fire ravaged Malibu, California (Jan 14, 2008). Led by USGS scientists, the Secretary was shown how technology and collaborative science are crucial to addressing a number of post-fire threats and concerns.
* 3-D imaging to help quantify the post-fire debris flow threat.
* NOAA's "Smart-R" mobile Doppler Radar truck
* Winter Canyon Drainage - Deployment site of post-fire debris flow monitoring instruments.
* Malibu Creek - Site of USGS gaging station.

USGS and California Wildfires: Post Fire Debris Flow (part 2)

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

Jim Bowers, USGS, California Hydrologic Monitoring Program Chief talks about the potential for debris flows in central Orange County, Modjeska Canyon, as a result of the 2007 fires.

USGS and California Wildfires: Post Fire Debris Flow (part 1)

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

Jim Bowers, USGS, California Hydrologic Monitoring Program Chief, talks about an historic streamflow site that was buried by debris flows as a result of the 2003 fires.

USGS and 2007 California Wildfires: Ash Study

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

USGS scientists talk about the importance of spectral data, the instrumentation used, and what USGS brings to the table regarding fire science.

USGS 2007 Wildfire Response

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

Michael Shulter (USGS) Director, California Water Science Center discusses the USGS's science and collaborative efforts regarding the 2007 California wildfires.

USGS and 2007 California Wildfires: Very Endangered Trout

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

Adam Backlin, USGS Ecologist, talks about the potential dangers to the aquatic life in the streams around the Santa Ana Mountains as a result of the 2007 California wildfires.

USGS and 2007 California Wildfires: The Big Picture

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

Robert Fisher, USGS Research Biologist talks about the overall impact of fires on the biology of the area.

USGS and 2007 California Wildfires: Post Fire Images/Video

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

Image/video compilation from the 2007 California wildfires.

USGS and 2007 California Wildfires: Post-Fire—Invasive Plants

swessells - at - usgs.gov (Stephen M. Wessells) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

USGS Biologist, Robert Fisher, talks about the invasive species growing within the areas devastated by the 2007 California wildfires.

(Trailer) Riding the Storm—Landslide Danger in San Francisco Bay Area

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

Video Highlights:
* A catastrophic 1982 rainstorm triggered 18,000 landslides in the Bay Area, claiming 25 lives and causing $66 million in property damage
* The combination of steep slopes, weak rocks, and intense winter storms make Bay Area uplands an ideal setting for landslides
*Landslides include both swift, potentially deadly debris flows and slower, but destructive deepseated slides
* Learn what USGS scientists have discovered about landslide dynamics and which slopes are most susceptible to sliding
* Hear the devastating stories of Bay Area residents affected by landslides and learn to recognize the danger signs