Eruptions of Kilauea (Hawaii, USA), Cleveland (Alaska, USA) Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion Island, France) and Pacaya (Guatemala)

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Here a compilation of the latest major volcanic eruption around the world: Kilauea (Hawaii, USA), Cleveland (Alaska, USA) Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion Island, France) and Pacaya (Guatemala).

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Large fissure on fire at Kilauea volcano.

At Kilauea, the eruption in the Leilani Estates Subdivision in the Lower East Rift Zone continues on May 5, 2018. Several eruptive fissures or vents opened, some several hundred meters long. The most recent cracks are located on the east side of the subdivision; not all vents are active and no lava flows have progressed far.

The HVO informs on a map the three active fractures; lava emissions were preceded by soil fracturing and heavy outgassing. Spatters and lava accumulated first in the first tens of meters of the vents. Seismicity and deformation are consistent with continuous accumulation of magma in the rift zone, and other lava outbreaks are expected.

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Cracks opening up in the streets of Big Island in Hawaii.

Two houses were destroyed. High levels of sulfur dioxide have been detected in the evacuation zone. All residents of the subdivisions of Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens must evacuate. Shelters are open to receive them.

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Collapse of Pu ‘O’o after the earthquake

Flights over the area have been prohibited. The Puna Geothermal Power Plant has also suspended its production until further information.

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Eruptive fissures at Kilauea volcano.

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred on May 4 at 22:32 UTC, 16 km southwest of Leilani Estates, at a depth of 5 km. The USGS points out that the quake hit at approximately the same location than the deadly 1975 M7.1 earthquake.

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M6.9 eathquake on Big Island, Hawaii on May 4, 2018.

A small explosion took place at 05:49 UTC at Cleveland volcano, Alaska on May 5, 2018 producing a small ash cloud rising up to 6.7 km (22 000 feet) above sea level, and drifting to the southeast. In response to increased activity, the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) raised the Aviation Color Code to Orange.

Piton de la fournaise eruption on Reunion island in May 2018, Piton de la fournaise eruption on Reunion island in May 2018 photo, Piton de la fournaise eruption on Reunion island in May 2018 video
Piton de la fournaise eruption on Reunion island in May 2018.

The volcanic eruption is relatively stable at Piton de La Fournaise. The field reconnaissance carried out yesterday and today shows an activity mainly focused on the central vent with a cone now completely closed from which lava is ejected.

Piton de la fournaise eruption on Reunion island in May 2018, Piton de la fournaise eruption on Reunion island in May 2018 photo, Piton de la fournaise eruption on Reunion island in May 2018 video
Piton de la fournaise eruption on Reunion island in May 2018.

A very slight deflation of the volcano is still recorded on the OVPF deformation sensors. This means that the volume of magma coming out of the reservoir to feed the eruption is greater than the volume of magma that replenishes it. No volcano-tectonic earthquake has been recorded in the past 24 hours under the Piton de la Fournaise volcano.

The strombolian activity at Pacaya volcano doesn’t stop. Reccurring projections rise 40-80 meters above the Mackeney cone and feed two lava flows towards the collapse zone of 2010. The explosions are recorded by the PCG seismic station.

Pacaya volcanic eruption, Pacaya volcanic eruption photo, Pacaya volcanic eruption video
Strombolian activity and lava flows on 03.05.2018

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6 Comments

  1. Who the heck wrote this piece?? Go back to school and take some English/journalism courses please.

    “The Fire Department provides high levels of sulfur dioxide in the evacuation zone.” WHAT?!
    “The police recall the temporary prohibition of flight over the area … drones can be confiscated during this period.” SAY WHAT?!

    Damn….

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