A Burp of Lava was Nearly Disastrous for This Trusty Webcam

Even eruptions from the usually-gentle Hawaiian volcanoes can pack a hidden punch. The hot, molten splatter of lava from a bubbling explosion at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater sloshed onto the webcam, melting wire insulation. But the webcam is hearty, and kept operating without interruption.

Top image: Lava splatter on the Halemaʻumaʻu webcam on Kīlauea on April 28, 2015. Credit: USGS

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