Gas emissions from the crater of Pu‘u ‘O‘o on Kilauea’s east rift zone (foreground) and the summit vent in Halema‘uma‘u Crater (background, just below the clouds) create volcanic pollution that affects the air quality of downwind communities. USGS photo by Tim Orr.

MEDIA RELEASE

The public is invited to learn more about volcanic gases and vog (volcanic air pollution) in a free presentation on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Konawaena High School Cafeteria in Kealakekua.

U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists Jeff Sutton and Tamar Elias will update information on Kilauea Volcano’s gas emissions and associated environmental impacts.

Sutton and Elias will discuss how vog forms from Kilauea’s east rift and summit sulfur dioxide gas emissions, and will provide an overview of existing resources that residents can consult to better deal with this notable aspect of the volcano’s two ongoing eruptions. After their talk, an optional “gas tasting” session will be offered, during which attendees can safely learn to recognize individual volcanic gases by smell.

Kilauea’s ongoing east rift zone eruption, well known for producing enough lava to fill a football stadium every week, also releases huge amounts of potentially dangerous volcanic gas. In March 2008, Kilauea gas emissions increased further when a new vent opened in Halema‘uma‘u Crater at the summit of the volcano.

During 2010, average sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions from the east rift zone vent declined significantly, and summit SO2 emissions decreased slightly. By the end of 2010, the combined emission rate for these two sources was about half of what it was during 2008-2009. This lower emission rate is good news, especially for downwind residents and visitors of Hawai‘i Island.

Konawaena High School is at 81-1043 Konawaena School Road, Kealakekua. A map of the campus is online at http://www.konawaenahs.org/about_us/campusmap.htm

This presentation is one of many programs offered by HVO in January during Hawai‘i Island’s Volcano Awareness Month. For details about this presentation and other Volcano Awareness Month events, visit the HVO Web site at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov or call (808) 967-8844.