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Ash Tornado Forms Near Kilauea Volcano’s Lava Fountain
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A remarkable and unusual phenomenon occurred Sunday at Kilauea volcano in hawaii: a swirling vortex of ash formed adjacent to a towering jet of lava. The event, captured on video, shows a funnel-shaped cloud rotating near the eruption vent as lava fountains soared more than 1,000 feet into the air.
The Kilauea volcano, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has a long history of volcanic activity. This latest eruption began in September 2023, following a period of relative calm. The current phase is characterized by a vigorous fountaining of lava from a vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater.
Understanding the Phenomenon
Volcanic ash “tornadoes,” while rare, are not entirely unexpected during eruptions. These vortices form due to a combination of factors, including rising hot gases, electrostatic charges, and wind shear. The interaction of these forces can create a rotating column of ash and gas,
explains the U.S. Geological survey (USGS) in its documentation of similar events [https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea](https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea).
Did You Know?
Volcanic ash is not the same as soot.It consists of tiny fragments of rock and glass created by the shattering of lava during an eruption.
Kilauea Eruption Timeline & Key Data
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept 10, 2023 | Eruption begins |
| Sept 17, 2023 | Lava fountains reach ~1,000 ft |
| oct 22, 2023 | Ash tornado observed |
| Current | Eruption continues |
Impact and Monitoring
Currently, the eruption poses no immediate threat to communities downwind, though the USGS continues to closely monitor the situation. Volcanic gas emissions, primarily sulfur dioxide, remain elevated. the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is providing regular updates and hazard assessments.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about volcanic activity through official sources like the USGS and local emergency management agencies.
Historical Context
Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Its frequent eruptions have shaped the landscape of the Big Island for millennia. The volcano’s activity is driven by a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle. Kilauea’s ongoing eruptions are a powerful reminder of the dynamic forces shaping our planet,
notes the National Park Service [https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm).
“Volcanoes are a testament to the Earth’s internal heat and the constant processes of creation and destruction.” – Dr. Emily Carter, Volcanologist
The formation of an ash tornado alongside the lava fountain is a visually striking exmaple of the complex interplay of forces during a volcanic eruption. It serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature.
What are yoru thoughts on this unbelievable natural phenomenon? Share your comments below! Would you travel to witness an active volcano like Kilauea?
Frequently Asked Questions about Kilauea
- What is a volcanic ash tornado? Its a rotating column of ash and gas formed near an erupting volcano due to rising hot gases, electrostatic charges, and wind shear.
- is the Kilauea eruption perilous? currently, the eruption poses no immediate threat to communities, but volcanic gas emissions are elevated.
- How high is the lava fountain at Kilauea?
