AI Image

Have You Seen This? US Geological Survey worker shovels pile of red-hot lava

KSL News • November 9, 2026 • science

Key Points:

A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) geologist was filmed scooping molten lava from an active flow at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, demonstrating the hands-on work involved in studying volcanic activity.
The geologist, wearing protective gear, collected red-hot lava samples to help scientists better understand the magma chambers beneath the volcano.
Kilauea's lava temperatures range from 1,300 to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, with recent eruptions producing lava fountains up to 660 feet high and erupting at around 260 cubic yards per second.
The USGS highlights numerous hazards related to active lava flows, including burns from hot, sharp surfaces, rough terrain risks, heat exhaustion, and acidic ground fog that can impair visibility and breathing.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory staff monitor earthquakes, eruptions, and volcanic activity to provide critical information aimed at keeping local communities safe.

Trending Business