Mauna Loa.Photo: United States Geological Survey/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty
With eruptions fromHawaii’s Mauna Loa volcanopredicted to last for weeks, there are some hazards to watch out for — even thoughlava flow is not currently a threat, according to officials with theHawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 40 years. By the following day, lava could be seen shooting nearly 200 feet into the air.
According toCBS News, it could take at least a week for lava to reach populated areas.
Pele’s hair is formed “when gas bubbles burst in the lava,” according to theHawaiian Volcano Observatory.After getting “propelled violently into the air,” the bits of fluid lava get stretched to became “long, hair-like strands that cool to a golden-colored glass.”
The hair-like glass particles get their name from Pele, arevered volcano deitywho “is both destructive and creative” — and is “considered ʻohana (family),” per the National Park Service.
Pele’s Hair seen after the eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.imageBROKER/Alamy Stock Photo
“While fragile and brittle, they are also sharp. As tiny pieces of glass, they can become lodged in human skin and much worse, eyes,” NPS officials wrote. “Caution around the fibers is necessary to avoid injury from the slivers.”
“You wouldn’t want to be digging your hands in it because you could get a cut,” Aaron Pietruszka, an associate specialist at the University of Hawaii’s Department of Earth Sciences, told CBS News.
RELATED VIDEO: Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the World’s Largest Active Volcano, Is Erupting For First Time in 38 Years
Fortunately, they don’t typically carry very far from volcanic vents, according to the outlet.
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After the eruption started, anashfall advisorywas issued for the island, warning residents that up to a quarter inch of ash could be carried downwind from the eruption, but was canceled just hours later.
Still, health officials have urged local residents to limit any strenuous outdoor activities due to volcanic smog, also called vog, which is created when sulfur dioxide combines with other particles, per CBS News. The outlet reported that vog can cause eye irritation, headaches and sore throats, and can also require hospitalizations for those with respiratory issues.
Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey said the volcano — which has been dormant since 1984 — has emerged from its “longest quiet periodon record.” During that last eruption, the lava flow came within 4.5 miles of the island’s largest population center.
source: people.com
