The U.S. Geological Survey set up a webcam to continuously track the development of a pool of water within Halema‘uma‘u Crater on Kilauea.
The camera, located on the western rim of the crater, provides a constant view of Halema‘uma‘u and the growing pool of water at its bottom.
The pond first appeared in late July and is of significant interest for USGS, as the composition of the water can help geologists understand the current volcanic processes influencing Kilauea after the changes to the volcano during last year’s eruption.
On Wednesday, USGS estimated the pond, the first time standing water has ever been recorded in the crater, was about 220 feet wide. A thermal camera also showed that the water is heated by the volcano and has reached a maximum of 165 degrees.
An updating view of the pond can be seen at https://tinyurl.com/y3zrhe73.