Kilauea

An infrared look down toward the ocean from the top of a recent flow.

The main crater from the Jaggar Museum. This IR image shows just how barren this new land is. The right edge of the crater features active sulfur vents, which show up lighter in tone. (full-size image)

Sulfur vent, already in progress.

This kupukupu fern is making a stand just a few years after the lava emerged. First come a few soil particles and bugs blown in by the wind from who knows where. They live and die in the cracks. They also attract small predators such as spiders, who attract a few bigger critters. Then add some more dirt blown in, some bird droppings, and before you know it, vegetation takes root. Shows just how tenacious life really is.

The IR-philic Mojo Eye could see the flow down the mountain in the late afternoon hours before it was visible to the naked eye. Not the prettiest picture but I think it's interesting. And as I always say, it's better to see the lava than be the lava.

Lots of hot spots visible at night in IR.