Officials from the US Geological Survey ( USGS ) have warned that Hawai’i ’s Kīlauea volcano , which is presently erupting , may start spewing " vog " and Pele ’s hair’s-breadth .
The volcano , which was shortly deemed a code red , began erupting on June 7and has been supervise intimately since . The USGS is now warning occupier that gamy levels of vog – volcanic smog – are forecast as the volcanic eruption continue .
" High layer of volcanic gas — in the first place water vapor ( H2O ) , carbon paper dioxide ( CO2 ) , and sulfur dioxide ( SO2 ) — are the primary luck of concern , as this jeopardy can have far - reaching effect down - wind , " theUSGSwrote in an update . " As SO2is unendingly released from the summit during the eruption , it will react in the ambience to create the seeable haze hump as vog ( volcanic smog ) windward of Kīlauea . "
Cool as it may look, it’s hair-fine glass and can cause some serious pain.Imagecredit: MarcelClemens/Shutterstock.com
The USGS has also warned resident physician to look out for the more interesting but hazardous substance known as Pele ’s hair . When volcanoes vomit liquefied lava into the gentle wind and it comes back down , it can stretch and break apart into hair - thin strands ofvolcanic glass . These thin strands are appoint Pele ’s hair after Pele , the Hawaiian goddess offire and volcanoes , not the footballer .
When the velocity of the eruption is high , Pele ’s haircloth is more likely to be formed , and when it is lower and the strands are not stretched as much it can formPele ’s tear – minuscule drop of volcanic glass . Pele ’s fuzz is usually attached to Pele ’s tear ab initio , but breaks destitute and travel further through the air .
" Strong winds may waft swooning particles to gravid distances , " the USGS remark . " Residents and visitor should minimize exposure to these volcanic particles , which can make skin and eye irritation . "
Cool as it may seem , it ’s recommended that you do not adjoin Pele ’s hair , as it can be sharp and brittle , and can become lodged in theeyes or skin .
" reckon inhaling tiny slivers of drinking glass , " former enquiry geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Don Swanson toldLive Science . " That ’s what the Pele ’s hair’s-breadth is . It can kindle and irritate anything that comes in contact with it . "
The vent remains closed to the world as the eruption continues .
