Sulfur Dioxide Plume from Kilauea

Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, but it is of the sort that tends to ooze lava more often than it explodes. But starting on March 19, a small explosion rained rock and ash over the summit. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory warned on March 28 that sulfur dioxide concentrations in the air downwind from the volcano were likely to be hazardous. Even before the March 19 explosion, elevated sulfur dioxide levels prompted the National Park Service to close part of Crater Rim Drive.

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Volcanoes

100 Years at Kilauea

January 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, situated on the rim of Kilauea Caldera.

Image of the Day Land Volcanoes Human Presence

Volcanic Activity at Kilauea

Sulfur dioxide plume from Halema’uma’u Crater, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii.

Atmosphere Land Volcanoes

Volcanic Haze over Hawai’i

Volcanic gases from Kilauea, the most active volcano in Hawai'i, blanketed the islands in thick haze in early December 2008.

Image of the Day Atmosphere Volcanoes

Last House Standing at Royal Gardens

Lava from Kilauea Volcano chipped away at the doomed Royal Gardens subdivision for decades. Now more than 75 homes are gone.

Image of the Day Land Volcanoes Remote Sensing

Volcanic Activity at Kilauea

Volcanic fog&emdash;vog&emdash;swirls around the Hawaiian Islands in this satellite image.

Atmosphere Land Volcanoes

Halema’uma’u Crater Gas Plume

Image of the Day Land Volcanoes

Volcanic Activity at Kilauea

This false-color image shows activity at Kilauea on May 21, 2009, including fresh lava flows, volcanic plumes, and areas of scorching temperatures.

Atmosphere Land Volcanoes

Eruption of Mount Nyamulagira (Nyamuragira)

Image of the Day Land Volcanoes

Volcanic Activity at Kilauea

A lava-filled pit set inside Kilauea’s Halema‘uma‘u Crater emitted a plume of steam, ash, and sulfur dioxide.

Atmosphere Land Volcanoes