Erupting Volcanoes, Blue Fire, Disruptions

If you have been paying attention for the last couple of weeks chances are you've heard about the volcano in Hawaii called Kilauea which is erupting. The volcano has been erupting for 3 whole weeks. The previous record was 19 days.

Then a couple of days ago, things changed. In addition to regular flames, there were blue flames rising from cracks in the pavement, blue flames made out of methane. Methane is a weak acid, known to be unstable and is very dangerous as it is explosive when heated.

Approximately two thirds of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been shut down for safety reasons since Friday, May 11.Initially, it was shut down due to dangerous fumes and then due to fears of steam explosions. Two weeks later, the majority of the park still remains closed.

The US Geological Society confirmed a blast on May 17th which sent "ballistic blocks" six miles in the air. On May 25th, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake was reported near the the summit of Kilauea.

Hawaiian Airlines offered customers waivers for flights scheduled between May 3 and May 31. Evacuation orders were put into effect for 1700 residents in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens subdivisions.

Lava reached the ocean about a week ago, creating another hazard: laze.This is a haze created when hot lava hits the ocean and sends hydrochloric acid and volcanic glass particles into the air. This combination can cause skin, eye and lung irritation. And now the lava has reached the geothermal power plant where eleven wells have been capped to prevent the release of the poisonous gas, hydrogen sulfide.

The volcano killed 400 people back in 1790. Those people likely were killed by volcanic surges of hot volcanic debris and steam. The tragedy of 1790 has so far been avoided, as 36 structures have been destroyed and thankfully, no one has died.