Dramatic Developments At Kilauea Volcano: Scientists Work To Keep Public Safe And Informed

Main Category: Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 28 Mar 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Explosive eruptions and noxious gas emissions at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii this week have prompted scientists to work around the clock to understand what will happen next and how to keep the public out of harm's way.

Scientists are monitoring gas emissions and seismic activity at Kilauea, which on March 19 experienced its first explosive eruption since 1924. The volcano is also emitting sulfur dioxide at toxic levels.

The National Park Service has closed Crater Rim Drive through the south caldera area until further notice. The U.S. Geological Survey is issuing frequent updates, which can be accessed at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/.

Sulfur dioxide emissions at the volcano's summit have increased to a rate that is likely to be hazardous for areas downwind of Halema'uma'u crater. Future explosions from Halema'uma'u Crater are possible.

"This historic activity has created new hazards that did not exist before - explosive eruptions as well as toxic sulfur dioxide emissions - in the middle of a national park," said U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program Coordinator John Eichelberger. "Our job is to give emergency responders and the civil defense community the very best information we can provide about what the volcano is doing and what it is likely to do in the future."

Listen to a podcast interview with Dr. Eichelberger describing the activity at Kilauea in episode 35 of CoreCast at http://www.usgs.gov/corecast/.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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The USGS provides science for a changing world. For more information, visit http://www.usgs.gov/.

Source: Clarice Nassif Ransom
United States Geological Survey