Hawaii's Kilauea News, Photos and Updates: Molten Volcano Lava Spreads to Pacific Ocean; This is What Happens [Details]
Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano is Overflowing in Pacific Ocean
The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has erupted and is spewing molten lava in the Pacific Ocean.
Kilauea is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world in the last 30 years. The molten lava leaking into the ocean is the result of an earlier eruption and the incident is considered the first time that the lava has reached the ocean on the edge of the island since August 2013.
Kilauea Volcano Eruption and Overflow
The Kilauea volcano erupted last May 24 and the molten lava has continued to flow away from the volcano to the edge of Hawaii's Big Island. According to the International Business Times, the lava overflowed on Tuesday morning. The Hawaii Volcano Observatory specified that the molten lava met the Pacific Ocean at 1:12am HST.
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The Kilauea lava meeting the ocean resulted in a plethora of steam and white smoke. It is unknown how long the lava flow will last this time as there was continuous flow from 2011 to 2013. No citizens or inhabitants are in immediate danger as the Kilauea volcano is away from any major dwelling places. The government is warning curious travelers, inhabitants and volcano enthusiasts from venturing near the lava flow as it could be dangerous.
What Happens in Lava Overflow
According to Huffington Post, when lava meets the ocean, it turns into rock after it cools. This means that the Kilauea volcano overflow is extending Hawaiian territory by the minute. There have been many reports about the fascinating sights of lava meeting the water but it can be very dangerous to go near the flow and surrounding area.
Dangers of Lava Overflow
While we know that when lava gets in contact with water, it becomes rock, the ocean becomes super heated as a result. Kilauea volcano visitors and tours that go near the area can become scalded from the steam and hot water. The reaction of lava and water can produce irritants for the skin, eyes and lungs as well, The Weather Channel reported. Furthermore, walking on the recently cooled lava or land can be dangerous because it may not be stable enough to hold any kind of weight and may end up on the ocean floor.
How long do you think the Kilauea volcano will keep on spewing lava this year? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
