Hawaii volcano eruption: Shocking aerial picture shows terrifying river of molten lava
A SHOCKING aerial photograph has shown a huge river of lava from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano pouring into the sea, with toxic laze being released into the air as it reacts with the seawater.
By CIARAN MCGRATH
Express.co.uk
Tue, Jun 26, 2018
The picture – released by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) – comes in the midst of several days of increased activity at the site of the volcano which has been erupting since the beginning of May.
It shows the awesome power at its heart as the lava flow clears a path to the Pacific ocean.
Lava is molten rock generated by geothermal activity and ejected from the Earth’s crust at temperatures ranging from 700C to 1,200C.
It is capable of flowing for great distances before it eventually cools to form igneous rock.
Images released yesterday, also by USGS, showed the lava pouring from Kilauea at 15 miles per hour – significantly faster than a top marathon runner would travel.
Laze is the term for toxic vapours which result when molten lava enter cold oceans.
Meanwhile, vog is a form of air pollution which results when sulphur dioxide and other gases emitted by an erupting volcano react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of sunlight.
In addition, Pele’s Hair, or volcanic glass, is also being formed as a result of the eruption, and can cause breathing difficulties.
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