Since its eruption on May 3, Kilauea Volcano has been causing lava phenomenon that burned communities within its range. The latest lava discovery is an abrasive and glass-like fissure, called Pele's Hair. It can scratch concrete surfaces and is dangerous when inhaled.
Kilauea Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world found in Hawaii's Big Island and is over 180 miles away from the capital Honolulu. The volcano has been constantly spewing tons of different types of lava that burned communities within its range. Pele's Hair is the recent lava phenomenon that is dangerous not only to humans but also to pieces of property as well, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Glass-like Fissures
Pele's Hair is a volcanic glass that is so abrasive it could scratch car surfaces and windshields. USGS released an advisory to avoid any contact with the particles. Anyone who gets in contact with the fissure may suffer scratches on the skin, so touching it out of curiosity is strongly discouraged by the agency. It can also cause eye irritation. However, it is not only Pele's Hair that can pose a threat to humans but also harmful elements such as sulfur dioxide gas and toxic ash plumes.
Residents are baffled as they claim to have never seen something like this before. Pele's Hair is named after Hawaii's volcano goddess named Pelehonuamea or simply Pele. The particles are formed when it cooled down after the volcano spewed it up in the air.
Kilauea's lava is fast spreading in communities and has reached 2,400 acres.
Eruption History
According to Hawaii Center of Volcanology, Kilauea Volcano recorded a phreatomagmatic eruption in 1790. Ever since, the volcano has become one of the most active in the world, but it slowed down in 1924. The volcano has erupted around the East Rift Zone recording small eruptions in 1955.
Kilauea's eruption is also costing Hawaii tourism industry about $2 billion. Flights to the island are canceled and bookings have significantly dwindled. Kilauea Volcano, ironically, is one of the main tourist attractions in the island. Tour operators bring travelers from Honolulu for guided tours. The eruption has cost tour guides as well as hotels and establishments income and revenue. Hiking operators have also received cancellations from tourists and they cannot operate with the current situation.
From the data in Hawaii's Visitors Bureau, in 2017 alone, the Big Island saw 1.7 million travelers.
Aside from costing the island tourism revenue, residents and entrepreneurs are saddened by the destruction of the beautiful and picturesque views that lure millions of tourists.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
