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Kilauea on Wednesday morning: Geological Survey images show lava flows and cracks at the volcanic crater
Photo: - / AFP
One of the world's most active volcanoes erupted on Wednesday after a break of several months. Kilauea spewed lava and footage showed cracks on a crater of the volcano. Volcanologists described the eruption as "dynamic".
Scientists at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the volcano's renewed activity was recorded Wednesday morning. This takes place within the boundaries of the national park, far away from inhabited areas.
"High levels of volcanic gases are the main cause for concern, as they can have far-reaching effects on the formation of winds," the USGS said. When sulfur dioxide is released at the summit, it reacts in the atmosphere, creating a visible fog, so-called volcanic smog, which can spread across Kilauea. According to the U.S. authority, this so-called volcanic smog can lead to respiratory problems in humans and animals and also affect plants.
The volcanic eruption can also cause a phenomenon called "pele's hair" – very fine, hard lava fibers that can irritate the skin and eyes. Pele is the name of the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
At the end of last year, Kilauea's neighboring volcano, Mauna Loa, erupted for the first time in four decades and presented a spectacular spectacle. 60-meter-high lava fountains hurled rivers of molten rock down the slopes.
Much smaller than Mauna Loa, Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and a popular tourist destination on the Big Island. Between 1983 and 2019, it erupted again and again.
zob/AFP