VIDEO: Scientists sample tephra from inside crater on Kilauea volcano summit

Three scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey had the opportunity to fly into the summit of Hawaii's most active volcano to collect samples for research. On July 2, the scientists hopped into a helicopter and flew to the northwest side of Halema‘uma‘u, a crater at Kilauea's summit. The purpose? To sample tephra deposits from the crater wall, which had been inaccessible before now, the USGS said. Tephra is the general name given to anything thrown into the air during a volcanic eruption. It can range from individual ash particles all the way to volcanic bombs, according to the USGS. HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER As lava flows have filled in Halemaʻumaʻu during the eruptions of Kilauea, the floor of the crater has risen, making it possible for scientists to walk across it. But, the USGS said, the deposits of tephra could be covered by lava flows in the future. UNDERSTANDING THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE: WHERE EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES MEET The samples will help the USGS better understand Kilauea's eruption behavior, magma storage and volcanic hazards. Video showed the scientists flying in on the helicopter, getting out and walking across the tephra to the side wall of the crater and scraping samples into bags. Kilauea has seen 50 eruptive episodes since Dec. 23, 2024. The USGS forecasts the volcano will see its 51st eruption sometime between July 11 and 15. SEE IT: FIERY TORNADO-LIKE 'TEPHRA DEVIL' SWIRLS ON HAWAII'S KILAUEA VOLCANO Each episode typically lasts no more than 12 hours, with a break of roughly three weeks between episodes, the USGS said.