Scientists Scoop Glowing Lava Samples as Fountains Erupt Behind Them

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, United States – Scientists in heat suits scooped glowing lava samples from cracks in the crust as lava fountains erupted behind them on Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano on Thursday, November 5.

Footage released by the US Department of the Interior shows Hawaiian Volcano Observatory researchers in silver jackets and orange trousers working on the dark lava field that day, then quenching hot samples with water as white steam billows up.

The Interior Department said USGS scientists at the observatory monitor earthquakes, study eruptions and collect red-hot lava samples to better understand what is happening beneath Hawaii's volcanoes and help keep communities safe.