Lava lake activity at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano in 2016

In 2016, Kīlauea Volcano's summit eruption featured continuous lava lake activity within the Overlook crater, offering unprecedented opportunities to study persistent basaltic eruptions. The lava lake, measuring 250 × 190 meters, exhibited dynamic surface behavior with north-to-south motion disrupted by spattering and frequent collapses of crater walls, which occasionally triggered small explosive events. Gas emissions averaged 1,000–8,000 metric tons per day of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), contributing to volcanic air pollution (vog) that affected the Island of Hawai'i. The study leveraged a robust geophysical monitoring network and direct observations to document these processes, enhancing understanding of lava lake behavior and its geophysical signals. Rising lake levels also improved visibility from public viewing areas in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, enriching visitor experiences.

Patrick, M. R., Orr, T. R., Swanson, D. A., Elias, T., & Shiro, B. (2018). Lava lake activity at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano in 2016. Scientific Investigations Report. https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20185008