Mapping Active Lava Flows Hawaiian Volcanoes

A Presentation by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geologist and Geospatial Analyst Mike Zoeller

The lava flows from Hawaiian volcanoes can be fast-moving, expansive, and destructive. Scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory use a variety of tools to track their emergence from eruptive vents, advancement downslope, lateral spread, and eventual termination by either stalling or reaching the sea. In this presentation, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist and geospatial analyst Mike Zoeller describes some of these tools—including helicopter, UAS (drone), and satellite mapping—as well as their applications during recent eruptions at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.