This July 14 video, captured by an unmanned aircraft systems team, shows lava erupting from within the 120-foot fissure 8 cinder cone built of chilled lava fragments.
Lava emerging from the cone was traveling about 13-16 mph, flowing freely over a small set of cascades (rapids) and into a perched channel that was as much as 50 feet above the ground surface, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
The fissure 8 lava flow channel extends about 8 miles to the active ocean entry.
UAS are assisting in the USGS eruption response. Hovering at about 1,000 feet above hazardous areas, UAS collect video and images to map lava flow boundaries, track overflows, and help assess channel velocities. UAS can also carry sensors to collect thermal and gas data.