Hawaii volcano eruption sparks GAS EXPLOSION at Halemaumau crater measuring 5.3 magnitude
THE Hawaii volcano eruption has caused a volcanic gas explosion at the summit of Kilauea, sending shockwaves across Big Island.
By SIMON OSBORNE
Express.co.uk
Fri, Jun 22, 2018
The explosion at the Halemaumau crater created a 5.3 magnitude blast wave, according to officials at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.
The rim and walls of the volcano collapsed inwards causing further destruction at Halemaumau as hazardous gas continues to cloud the south east of the island.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) said the blast was not severe enough to cause a tsunami warning, but a large ash plume was produced which may affect the surrounding areas, they said.
Fountains of red-hot lava from Fissure 8 are still pouring into the established channel of molten rick flowing down to the ocean at the Kapoho coastline.
One main ocean entry on the south edge of the flow front at the coast is producing a plume of laze – a noxious cocktail of super-heated seawater steam laced with sulphur, hydrochloric acid and fine volcanic particles that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs – that is being blown inland.
An HVO spokesman warned people to steer clear of the lava’s ocean entry points.
He said: “The ocean entry is a hazardous area. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water.
“Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea.”
Pele’s hair and other lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountain at Fissure 8 continue to fall downwind of the fissure, dusting the ground near the vent.
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