destroyed by molten lava. and the danger is not over yet. >> scientists are warning what they call vigorous lava eruptions still gushing from volcanic fissures in the earth. a team of experts is trying to track it to keep people safe. scott mclean has that. >> reporter: if there's lava on the move, so is drone pilot rose harp. >> you guys ready? okay. clear props. launching. >> reporter: her small crew from the university of hawaii at hilo has been up all night every night since kilauea first started erupting almost a month ago. they are documenting the lava's movement using drones. not for long-term research but to inform hour-to-hour decisions. >> you are an essential service. >> i feel like we are. >> reporter: as the lava moves, the group's routine stays largely the same. fly -- >> we're just about at 100 meters altitude. 97% battery.