Account Login/Registration

Access KamloopsBCNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

PHOTOS: Lava flow from Hawaii volcano reaches ocean, creating toxic cloud

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.

<who>Photo Credit: USGS Volcanoes

<who>Photo Credit: USGS Volcanoes

The sight is breathtaking, but officials are warning people to be cautious as laze carries with it significant health hazards.

<who>Photo Credit: USGS Volcanoes

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.

<who>Photo Credit: USGS Volcanoes

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.



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].



Weather
webcam icon

weather-icon
Fri
13℃

weather-icon
Sat
14℃

weather-icon
Sun
16℃

weather-icon
Mon
19℃

weather-icon
Tue
21℃

weather-icon
Wed
13℃
current feed webcam icon

Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy