Posted on 03/25/2008 8:01:38 AM PDT by Pyro7480
A plume of ash towered from Kilauea Volcano's Halema`uma`u caldera on Monday, according to scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Lava erupted from the crater overnight in relatively small amounts. It is the first time lava erupted from Halema`uma`u Crater since 1982, according to USGS officials.
Scientists candidly told KITV that this is new ground for them. The ash plume thousands of feet high, erupting from the Halema'uma'u caldera of Kilauea indicates a change of geophysical plumbing deep under the volcano which scientists said they do not understand quite yet.
"Not quite sure. It could involve water, the rapid expansion of water. We know that it involves some lava at this point," said Jim Kauahikaua of the U.S. Geological Survey.
The scientists that have monitored Kilauea for years are now turning to experts at Mount St. Helens, who are more expert at volcanic ash.
Scientists found lava forms, including what they call Pele's tears and Pele's hair, which look like spun glass and spatter -- molten rock tossed and cooled into stone.
The ash plume is not causing serious problems for residents yet because steady trades have blown it west toward the slopes of Mauna Loa and over the town of Pahala to the southwest. However, Pahala has seen a change in the environment.
"It's made our air less crystal clear than it usually is that's for sure, and of course people who have asthma and other respiratory problems are being asked to take care of themselves," Pahala resident Julia Neal said.
The release of ash comes days after an explosion on the crater's rim blew debris over a 75-acre area. The explosion left a carved out a small crater in the rim.
It was the first explosion there since 1924.
Oooooooo. Were heading for Maui for 2-weeks in April. We just may have to schedule a side trip to the Big Island to see this.
I made a stop in Kona last night and the air was like LA Smog.
Well worth it...
“...Why is the smoke white?...”
A new Pope has been elected.
” I made a stop in Kona last night and the air was like LA Smog.”
My family and I arrived on the 25th ...Guess it had all cleared by then . Loved Kona / Big Island . Hated like hell to leave and return to Japan ...
Yep hated like hell to return to Virginia. I was only at the kona airport for several hours. Spent my time in Maui. See any whales?
” Yep hated like hell to return to Virginia. I was only at the kona airport for several hours. Spent my time in Maui. See any whales? “
PM about Maui . Thinking of heading there next time .
Oh - didn’t see any whales .
Willie K rocks.
we were just there in Feb. Darn it!
At the time they were noting unusual activity and high levels of SO2. We were hoping to see something, but no such luck. Im jealous you will be there, definitely worth the side trip.
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