Since the Kilauea volcano began its most recent eruptive activity on Hawaii's Big Island three weeks ago, the situation has evolved and worsened. More than 40 structures have been destroyed and one resident was badly injured when he was struck in the leg by a molten hunk of rock thrown from one of the erupting fissures. The Associated Press reported that some fissures were merging and producing faster and more fluid lava, which began flowing in glowing rivers toward the Pacific Ocean. Over the weekend at least two of the lava flows reached the shore, sending up billowing plumes of steam, and generating “laze,” or lava haze, a dangerous mix of hydrochloric acid, steam, and volcanic glass particles. Geologists continue to urge caution and patience during this event, saying that Kilauea remains volatile with no predictable end in sight for the current eruptions.
Photo Updates From Kilauea: The Lava Meets the Sea
-
-
Jack Jones, visiting from Madison, Wisconsin, takes pictures at a country club in Volcano, Hawaii, as a huge ash plume rises from the summit of Kiluaea on May 21, 2018. #
Jae C. Hong / AP -
Blue flames from burning methane gas emerge from cracks in Kahukai Street in Leilani Estates on May 22, 2018. When hot lava buries plants and shrubs, methane gas is produced as a byproduct of burning vegetation. The gas can seep into subsurface voids and explode when heated, or as shown in this image, emerge from cracks in the ground several feet away. When ignited, the methane produces a blue flame. #
U.S. Geological Survey -
-
-
-
-
Steaming particles of molten rock fall into the ocean after steam-driven explosions were generated when the hot lava flowed into the Pacific southeast of Pahoa on May 20, 2018. #
Terray Sylvester / Reuters -
-
-
-
-
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.