Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes

Scientists at Work

Volcanologists wear special protective clothing when working around active lava. The photos below depict scientists documenting the eruption, taking temperature readings, and collecting gas samples.

A volcanologist from Montserrat takes a temperature measurement on KilaueaA volcanologist from Montserrat takes a temperature measurement on Kilauea.

UH Hilo Geology Professor Ken Hon wears a silver suit for protection as he works near a wide lava flowUH Hilo Geology Professor Ken Hon wears a silver suit for protection as he works near a wide lava flow; photo by Tim Orr, USGS.

Documenting the lava with video and still photography helps scientists to analyze the eruptionDocumenting the lava with video and still photography helps scientists to analyze the eruption.

USGS scientist Kevan Kamibayashi, wearing a helicopter flight suit for protection, takes a break from installing telemetry to admire Pele's workUSGS scientist Kevan Kamibayashi, wearing a helicopter flight suit for protection, takes a break from installing telemetry to admire Pele's work. Photo by Brad Lewis.

Loren Antolik of HVO takes notes near a lava tube, carefully keeping a safe distance awayLoren Antolik of HVO takes notes near a lava tube, carefully keeping a safe distance away. Photo courtesy USGS, Tim Orr.

A scientist in the 1960's collects gas from a skylight on KilaueaA scientist in the 1960's collects gas from a skylight on Kilauea. Photo, Naughton.

Volcanologists often collect samples of molten lava, which are immediately quenched in a coffee can filled with water. The lava hardens to glass and is later analyzed in the lab, to see if the chemical composition has changed over time. This provides clues as to the plumbing system of the volcano. In the photos below, UH Hilo Geology students, wearing protective clothing, practice sampling lava.

Shielding his face from intense heat, a UH Hilo Geology student collects a sample of molten lavaShielding his face from intense heat, a UH Hilo Geology student collects a sample of molten lava.

Student practices collecting lavaStudent practices collecting lava. Photo by Jack Dykinga.

Lava that has formed a solid crust may still have a molten interiorLava that has formed a solid crust may still have a molten interior. Photo by Chris Hames.

Yi Zhao of China samples lava during the CSAV International CourseYi Zhao of China samples lava during the CSAV International Course.

A sample of lava begins to cool on the rock hammerA sample of lava begins to cool on the rock hammer.

UH Hilo Geology student wears protective gear to sample lavaUH Hilo Geology student wears protective gear to sample lava.