A dramatic new volcanic eruption is underway at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and it’s drawing thousands of people to witness the spectacle.
Kilauea volcano is blasting lava into the air, hundreds of feet high in places. This eruption came after increased earthquake activity recently at the volcano’s summit. If you get a chance to witness the eruption, remember to be respectful.
“While an eruption is an exciting experience, keep in mind you are observing a sacred event,” said officials at the Hawaii park. “The summit of Kilauea volcano is a wahi kapu (sacred landscape) surrounded with storied places and a delicate ecosystem.”
Right now, the activity is confined to the summit caldera, and there are no threats to any homes or buildings.
“The opening phases of eruptions are dynamic,” writes USGS Volcanoes. “ High levels of volcanic gas—primarily water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—are the primary hazard of concern, as this hazard can have far-reaching effects down-wind.”
All those emissions create a visible haze called vog (volcanic smog). Vog can cause problems for people with respiratory issues and sometimes triggers reactions similar to allergies in other people.
