Hawaii’s Mount Kilauea erupted on June 7, 2023, with the main concern being volcanic gas. The eruption largely remained confined to the Halemaʻumaʻu crater within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Initial lava flows covered an area of about 370 acres, and a live stream of the eruption is available. A code red alert has been issued, and volcanic smog has been observed downwind, which can cause health hazards and damage crops. Other hazards include wall instability, ground cracking, rockfalls, and “Pele’s hair,” which are glass fibers formed from gas bubbles that can become airborne.
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Hawaii’s Mount Kilauea erupted, causing concern over the release of volcanic gas. The eruption started at 4:44 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time and was mostly contained within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater, which has been closed to the public since 2007 and is located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. As of 3 p.m., initial lava flows were between 13 and 30 feet high and covered an area of about 370 acres on the crater floor, As covered by the U.S. Geological Survey.
A live stream of the eruption can be seen on NPR’s website, where viewers can witness the magnitude of the event. The USGS has issued a code red alert in the area due to the release of large amounts of volcanic gas, primarily water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, which are continuously released during eruptions of Kilauea volcano. The volcanic smog, or haze, that appears when volcanic gas mixes with the atmosphere has been observed downwind and has the potential to cause health hazards in people and livestock, as well as damage crops.
In addition to the release of volcanic gas, other hazards associated with the eruption include wall instability, ground cracking, rockfalls, and “Pele’s hair.” This term is used to describe glass fibers formed from gas bubbles that stretch into thin, long strands and often become airborne. These fibers can cause damage to buildings, vehicles, and other structures in the area.
While the eruption of Mount Kilauea may seem alarming, it is not uncommon for the volcano to experience such events. Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983, with occasional pauses and changes in activity. The current eruption is not expected to cause any major damage or injuries, but precautions should still be taken to ensure the safety of those in the area.
It is important to note that volcanic eruptions can have a significant impact on the environment and the surrounding communities. The release of volcanic gas can cause air pollution and acid rain, which can harm crops and vegetation. The ash and debris from the eruption can also damage buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.
Hence, the eruption of Mount Kilauea in Hawaii on June 7, 2023, has caused concern over the release of volcanic gas and other hazards associated with the event. While the eruption is not expected to cause any major damage or injuries, precautions should still be taken to ensure the safety of those in the area. It is important to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to minimize the impact of the eruption on the environment and the surrounding communities.
