The bubbling pool of lava was casting globs of lava across the lake surface and onto the vent walls.
Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) say they have discovered a lake of lava bubbling beneath the surface of Kilauea volcano.
The 160-foot diameter lake was found about 330 feet below the rim of the summit’s active Halemaumau crater vent, which opened up on March 19.
The lava was observed during a helicopter flight on Sept. 5, “roiling and producing bursts of bubbles as its central upwelling circulation changed.”
Kilauea’s current activity does not threaten any populated areas, other than by the volcanic gasses that have prompted health alerts in recent months.
Photo: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory