An HVO geologist collects spatter sample at fissure 10 near the intersection of Malama and Pomaikai Streets, Leilani subdivision/USGS

The team at the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is one of several finalists for the 2019 Service to America Medals for its work monitoring the eruption of Kīlauea Volcano at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

These awards honor excellence in the federal workforce and are known as the “Oscars” of government service. The final winners will be announced October 16 during an awards gala at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. 

The HVO nomination states that the team, "carefully monitored a large and sustained eruption of Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii and provided vital updates to protect residents, tourists and property from ash, lava, and toxic fumes." 

Starting on May 3, 2018, Kīlauea erupted for more than 100 days, spewing ash, lava and toxic gases, destroying more than 700 homes, and sending residents fleeing for their lives.

The USGS team worked round-the-clock operations with local authorities and emergency managers under hazardous circumstances, conducting essential scientific fieldwork and providing frequent situation reports and briefings to decision-makers about earthquake activity, lava eruptions and associated hazards.

In addition, they found creative ways to use new technology, resulting in better monitoring of volcanic activity, and more efficient communications and data sharing among scientists and emergency managers.