Ocean entry photograph from Civil Air Patrol (CAP) overflight taken at about 12:50PM. CAP operates to support the mission of both the USGS HVO and the Hawaii County Civil Defense. Hard to discern here, but there are two entries. The coastal area spanning the entry is about 1 km (0.6 mi) wide with an about 250 m (0.15 mi) KÄ«puka separating the two. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of Civil Air Patrol.
Lava flows from the Fissure 20 complex move downslope and enter the ocean. Lava can be seen in the middle of the channel. A laze plume hides the point of ocean entry. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Lava from the Fissure 20 complex is entering the ocean in two locations, separated by an area tens of yards wide. At the time of this early morning photo, lava flowing into the ocean entry on the eastern (left-most) lobe was diminishing while lava flowing into the ocean on the western (right-most) lobe was vigorous. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Lava from the fissure complex erupting in KÄ«lauea’s lower East Rift Zone entered the ocean in late evening on May 19, 2018. The active ocean entry is producing a white “laze” plume. Laze is formed when hot lava hits the ocean, forming a plume of hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles. The laze plume travels with the wind and can be a hazard for people downwind, but is most severe in the immediate vicinity of the ocean entry. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
A plume rises from the site of the lava ocean entry, viewed on approach by HVO scientists during an overflight of KÄ«lauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone on May 20, 2018, around 6:45 AM HST. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Lava from the Fissure 20 complex enters the ocean generating a white laze plume. Helicopter overflight on May 20, 2018, at 6:45 AM HST. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
View of ocean entry point from helicopter overflight on May 20, 2018, at 6:45 AM HST. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
The helicopter hovers above the ocean entry on May 20, 2018, around 6:45 AM HST. Several braided lava channels (red) are visible on the right. The white plume is “laze,” which forms when hot lava hits the ocean sending hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles into the air. Laze is a health hazard for people downwind and especially in the immediate vicinity of the plume. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Lava from the eastern channel of the Fissure 20 complex flows into a crack in the ground. The crack opened in the early morning hours of May 20, 2018. Prior to opening, lava was flowing vigorously down a channel. After the crack formed, the lava began pouring into the ground. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Lava from the eastern channel of the Fissure 20 complex is flowing into a crack in the ground that opened on the morning of May 20, 2018. The crack is “robbing” the easternmost channel of lava and the eastern ocean entry is therefore less vigorous than the western entry point. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Late last night, the fissure 20 lava flow reached the ocean. Hot lava entering the ocean creates a dense white plume called “laze” (short for “lava haze”). Laze is formed as hot lava boils seawater to dryness. The process leads to a series of chemical reactions that result in the formation of a billowing white cloud composed of a mixture of condensed seawater steam, hydrochloric acid gas, and tiny shards of volcanic glass. This mixture has the stinging and corrosive properties of dilute battery acid, and should be avoided. Because laze can be blown downwind, its corrosive effects can extend far beyond the actual ocean entry area. Photo taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Video of a slow moving lava flow in KÄ«lauea Volcano’s lower East Rift Zone, taken May 20, 2018, at around 2:31 AM HST. The flow is ~3 m (9 ft) high. The HVO scientist mapping the flow is about ~15 m (50 ft) away from the flow front. The audio is the sound of burning vegetation and the call of coqui frogs. Video taken Sunday, May 20, 2018 courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey
Map as of 11:00 am HST, May 20. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015. Site of active ocean entry is shown with dots.
This is a Civil Defense Message for 6 p.m., Sunday, May 20, 2018.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor active flows. Two lava flows have entered the ocean off Highway 137 near MacKenzie State Park.
Moderate trade winds continue to cause elevated levels of sulfur dioxide in areas downwind of the vents, including Kamaili, Seaview, and Malama Ki. Take action necessary to limit further exposure.
Due to hazardous conditions from lava and fires, the following policies are in effect:
Highway 137 is closed to all traffic between Kamaili Road and Pohoiki Road.
Kamaili Road is closed to all thru traffic. No stopping, this is a high sulfur dioxide area.
Everyone is asked to stay out of the area.
Due to the lava entry at the ocean, the following policies are in effect:
Access to the area is prohibited due to the laze hazard.
Stay away from any ocean plume. The plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.
The U.S. Coast Guard is actively monitoring the area. Only permitted tour boats are allowed in the area.
An eruption community information meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the Pahoa High cafeteria .
Due to the lava entering the ocean off Highway 137 in the vicinity of McKenzie Park the following policies are in effect:
Be aware of the laze hazard and stay away from any ocean plume. Laze is formed when hot lava hits the ocean sending hydrochloric acid and steam with fine glass particles into the air.
Health hazards of laze include lung, eye and skin irritation.
Be aware that the laze plume travels with the wind and can change direction without warning.
Tankers are providing drinking water in Vacationland & Kapoho.
For those evacuating, the Pahoa Community Center, Keaau Community Center, and Sure Foundation Church are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly.
For your information:
HELCO advises Leilani Estates residents to be aware of downed power lines. Always assume the lines are active and exercise extreme caution.
A third shelter has opened. Sure Foundation, located on Pohaku Circle in Keaau, is now open.
People from Pahoa who have breathing concerns are relocating from the Pahoa Community Center shelter to the Sure Foundation shelter. The shelter will cater specifically to people with breathing issues, but everyone is welcome.
Get the latest Vog Predictions here: http://mkwc.ifa.hawaii.edu/vmap/
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Vog
Click on image for full description of air quality levels.
Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated throughout the area downwind of the vents in lower Puna.
Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas from fissures are especially dangerous for elderly, children/babies and people with respiratory problems.
County, State, and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of any conditions that affect your safety.
Monitor vog levels and forecasts: People on Hawaii Island outside the area of volcanic activity are also advised to monitor levels of vog at https://vog.ivhhn.org
The residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time. We ask for your help and understanding.
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