Shocking are the images circulating on the Internet from the recent eruption of the Kilauea volcano in the Hauai archipelago.
Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted on Wednesday. The images show fissures in the heart of the volcano, with lava pouring out of its crater and forming "fountains". Scientists characterize volcanic activity as "dynamic".
Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has erupted again???? pic.twitter.com/LRxw2lOODk
— DW News (@dwnews) June 8, 2023
The USGS has issued a warning about the risk of sulfur dioxide being released into the atmosphere and creating volcanic smog, which is spreading as far as Kilauea. It can also cause respiratory problems in humans and animals and damage crops. It also warns of "Pelle's hair", referring to fine threads of solidified lava that can cause skin and eye irritation.
This video shows fountains of lava shooting into the air at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano, which has erupted for the second time in 6 months ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/M1JTw5gntd
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 9, 2023
Kilauea's eruption came just months after neighboring Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano, erupted in late 2022 after a 38-year hiatus.
Kilauea is smaller but much more active than Mauna Loa. It last erupted in January and volcanic activity continued until March. Eruptive activity was almost non-stop from 1983 to 2019.