The lava flow from Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii’s big island has now entered the ocean, sending toxic clouds into the air.
USGS Volcanoes says the clouds are what are known as laze plumes, formed when hot lava hits the ocean, creating hydrochloric acid and steam with tiny shards of volcanic glass into the air.
The sight is breathtaking, but officials are warning people to be cautious as laze carries with it significant health hazards.
This mixture has the stinging and corrosive properties of dilute battery acid, and should be avoided. Because laze can be blown downwind, its corrosive effects can extend far beyond the actual ocean entry area.
Last night, USGS reported a small explosion at the volcano’s summit, producing an ash plume that reached about 7,000 feet.
Officials continue to monitor the situation, conducting overflight assessments of the volcano. USGS says that additional explosive events could produce ash fall downwind are possible at any time. Volcanic gas emissions at the summit also remain high.
