Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Volcano Erupts After 38 Years of Inactivity
On November 27, 2022, the world’s largest active volcano erupted for the first time in 38 years. Mauna Loa on Hawaii’s Big Island came to life around 11:30 p.m America time. Since then, it has been spewing spectacular lava fountains as high as 148 feet. The molten lava river is getting dangerously close to a major highway. However, it currently poses no threat to the surrounding communities.
Residents have been asked to limit outdoor activities in areas with high levels of volcanic smog. Known as vog, it is a type of air pollution caused by the chemical interaction of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants emitted by volcanic activity with atmospheric moisture, oxygen, dust, and sunlight. Vog is especially dangerous to children, the elderly and people with breathing conditions.
The spread of thin strands of lava known as “Pele’s hair” is also cause for concern. They are named after the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire and form when lava gas bubbles burst and rapidly cool. The bubble explosion stretches the molten lava into delicate fibers, which float away and collect in low-lying areas. The volcanic glass strands that look like hair can be dangerous.
“They are sharp as well as fragile and brittle. They can become lodged in human skin and, much worse, eyes as tiny pieces of glass. To avoid injury from slivers, have caution around the fibers,” officials from the Hawaiian Park Service said on their website.
In Hawaiian, Mauna Loa means “long mountain.” It is the largest active volcano in the world. Since record-keeping began in 1843, the current eruption is the 34th. The massive volcano dominates over 51% of the Big Island. It is larger than the rest of the Hawaiian Islands put together! Mauna Loa is approximately 30,000 feet tall. This is roughly 1,000 feet higher than Mount Everest! However, the volcano only rises 13,000 feet above sea level.
The magnificent eruption of Mauna Loa is attracting thousands of visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visitors who are lucky enough can also see the glow from the nearby Kilauea volcano, which has been active since September 2021.
“We have two eruptions happening at the same time,” Jessica Ferracane, a spokesperson for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, told CBS News. “To the Hawaiian people, this is a very sacred event that we are witnessing.”
