Hawaii volcano eruption update: Glowing orange lava spreads further across Big Island

Tuesday, June 19, 2018
By Paul Martin

HAWAII’S Big Island has been wracked by the disaster for over a month, as erupting Kilauea spewed lava across the island, displacing residents and destroying the natural landscape. Beginning its eruption on May 3, Kilauea erupted through numerous fissures in the earth, launching lava into residential areas.

By GEORGINA LAUD
Express.co.uk
Tue, Jun 19, 2018

Residents from Leilani Estates, Vacationland, and Kapoho Bay remain evacuated, with over 450 homes destroyed due to lava flows.

Fissure 8 remains the most active, fountaining lava at heights of 150-180 feet.

United States Geological Survey Geologist Liz Westby has said in a video update the colour and consistency of lava spewing from fissure 8 is fascinating scientists:

“The interesting thing about this lava channel is that it is incandescent or glowing orange for nearly its entire length indicating the lava channel is becoming very efficient about transporting hot lava over that distance.”

For weeks fissure 8 was the only active fissure, however, number 16 has begun to bubble lava and according to Hawaiian authorities is being monitored closely.

Lava flows now cover 5,914 acres, or 9.24 square miles according to the Hawaii County Defense Agency, and is flowing into the ocean.

Entering the ocean at Kapoho Bay lava is creating a toxic cloud of hydrochloric acid mist, fine glass pieces and steam known as laze.

Another form of toxic cloud is also rising from the summit and fissures and consists of sulphur dioxide and ash, known as vog.

Both laze and vog can cause breathing difficulties, as well as eye, nose and throat irritation.

According to an alert on their website, Hawaii County Civil Defense is warning residents to expect the vog to blow across the island due to the weather.

“The National Weather Service reports that Tuesday through Thursday northwest winds are expected to push vog into the saddle and interior areas of the Big Island.”

Scientists remain unable to predict when Kilauea will stop erupting, with numerous earthquakes rocking the summit.

The Rest…HERE

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