How much sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas does Kīlauea emit?
Kīlauea typically emits between 500 and 14,000 metric tons of sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) per day during periods of sustained eruption.
During the 2018 eruption at Kīlauea’s Lower East Rift Zone, SO2 emissions were over 30,000 metric tons per day, in keeping with the increased vigor of that eruption. Methods for calculating emission rates for SO2 can be complicated and challenging in the high-rate conditions that existed at that time. Extremely high SO2 levels can saturate instruments, and accurate wind speed--which is critical in calculations--is sometimes difficult to obtain.
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Does vog (volcanic smog) impact plants and animals?
The sulfuric acid droplets in vog have the corrosive properties of dilute battery acid. When vog mixes directly with moisture on the leaves of plants it can cause severe chemical burns, which can damage or kill the plants. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas can also diffuse through leaves and dissolve to form acidic conditions within plant tissue. Farmers...
What gases are emitted by Kīlauea and other active volcanoes?
Ninety-nine percent of the gas molecules emitted during a volcanic eruption are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The remaining one percent is comprised of small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, and other minor gas species. Learn more: Volcanic Gas
Who monitors volcanic gases emitted by Kīlauea and how is it done?
The U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) determines the amount and composition of gases emitted by Kīlauea Volcano. Changes in gas emissions can reveal important clues about the inner workings of a volcano, so they are measured on a regular basis. HVO scientists use both remote and direct sampling techniques to measure...
Where and how do sulfur dioxide and volcanic gases (vog) affect air quality in Hawaii?
The most critical factors that determine how much vog impacts an area are wind direction and speed. Air temperature, humidity, rainfall, location of the source, and the amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2) being emitted are also factors. During prevailing trade (from northeast) wind conditions, any SO2 emitted from Pu`u `Ō`ō is blown out to sea, while...
Should I cancel my plans to visit to Hawai`i Island because of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and vog?
Predicting the vog levels that visitors might experience during a short stay in Hawai`i is as difficult as predicting the weather. Once volcanic emissions are in the atmosphere, they are distributed by prevailing winds. Where and how bad the vog is ultimately depends on several factors including wind direction, wind speed, air temperature,...
What health hazards are posed by vog (volcanic smog)?
Vog poses a health hazard by aggravating preexisting respiratory ailments. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas can irritate skin and the tissues and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat, and can penetrate airways, producing respiratory distress in some individuals. Aerosol particles in vog can also penetrate deep into human lungs and, at elevated...
What is "vog"? How is it related to sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions?
Vog (volcanic smog) is a visible haze comprised of gas and an aerosol of tiny particles and acidic droplets created when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and other gases emitted from a volcano chemically interact with sunlight and atmospheric oxygen, moisture, and dust. Volcanic gas emissions can pose environmental and health risks to nearby communities. Vog...
Does ash ever erupt from Kīlauea Volcano??
Kīlauea Volcano is renowned for its relatively benign eruptions of fluid lava flows. Therefore, many people were surprised by the small explosions that occurred in Halema`uma`u Crater in 2008 and 2018, and even more surprised to learn that volcanic ash was being erupted from a new gas vent. However, ash emissions from Halema`uma`u Crater are part...
Do earthquakes large enough to collapse buildings and roads accompany volcanic eruptions?
Not usually. Earthquakes associated with eruptions rarely exceed magnitude 5, and these moderate earthquakes are not big enough to destroy buildings and roads. The largest earthquakes at Mount St. Helens in 1980 were magnitude 5, large enough to sway trees and damage buildings, but not destroy them. During the huge eruption of Mount Pinatubo in...
Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?
The United States and its territories contain 169 geologically active volcanoes, of which 54 volcanoes are a high threat or very high threat to public safety. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes...
Is it dangerous to work on volcanoes? What precautions do scientists take?
Volcanoes are inherently beautiful places where forces of nature combine to produce awesome events and spectacular landscapes. For volcanologists, they're FUN to work on! Safety is, however, always the primary concern because volcanoes can be dangerous places. USGS scientists try hard to understand the risk inherent in any situation, then train...
Year Published: 2020
U.S. Geological Survey 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption response in Hawai'i—After-action review
The 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption lasted 107 days, and now ranks as the most destructive event at Kilauea since 1790, and as one of the most costly volcanic disasters in U.S. history. Multiple simultaneous hazard events unfolded, including sustained seismic activity leading to collapse at the summit of Halema'uma'u crater and severe damage to the...
Williams, Dee M.; Avery, Vic F.; Coombs, Michelle L.; Cox, Dale A.; Horwitz, Lief R.; McBride, Sara K.; McClymont, Ryan J.; Moran, Seth C.Attribution: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Water Resources, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Land Resources, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Core Science Systems, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, Core Science Systems, National Geospatial Program, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Community for Data Integration (CDI), Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), United States of America, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Science and Decisions Center, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New Jersey, United States of America, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, National Geospatial Program, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New York, United States of America, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Nebraska Water Science Center, Water Resources, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Dakota Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center, Water Resources, Mineral Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Water, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Utah, Switzerland, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Office of Science Quality and Integrity, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Ecosystems, United States of America, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, New Jersey, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Colorado, United States of America, Ecosystems, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Ecosystems, Ecosystems, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Environmental Health, Kansas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Water, New Mexico Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, New Mexico, United States of America, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, United States of America, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Geology, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Washington, United States of America, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Ecuador, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, New Jersey, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Ecosystems, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Water Resources, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Water Resources, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Water Resources, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Utah, United States of America, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Water, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Water, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), Region 11: Alaska
View Citation
Williams, D.M., Avery, V.F., Coombs, M.L., Cox, D.A., Horwitz, L.R., McBride, S.K., McClymont, R.J., and Moran, S.C., 2020, U.S. Geological Survey 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption response in Hawai'i—After-action review: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2020-1041, 56 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201041.
Year Published: 2020
Preliminary analyses of volcanic hazards at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, 2017–2018
From 2017 to 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) responded to ongoing and changing eruptions at Kīlauea Volcano as part of its mission to monitor volcanic processes, issue warnings of dangerous activity, and assess volcanic hazards. To formalize short-term hazards assessments—and, in some cases, issue...
Neal, Christina A.; Anderson, Kyle R.Attribution: Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water Resources, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Indonesia, International Programs, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, California, United States of America, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, United States of America, Land Change Monitoring, Assessment and Projection, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Water, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, United States of America, Dakota Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Water Resources, Water, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Puerto Rico, United States of America, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Water, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Virginia, United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Natural Hazards, Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Hawaii, United States of America, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, National Geospatial Program, Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Water, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United Arab Emirates, International Programs, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, United States of America, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Land Change Science Program, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Water Resources, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Water Resources, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, Water Resources, Water Resources, Water Resources, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Oregon Water Science Center, Water Resources, Water, Nevada Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Colorado Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Tribal Relations, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, Arizona Water Science Center, Water Resources, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water Resources, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Oklahoma Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Pennsylvania, United States of America, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Nebraska Water Science Center, Water Resources, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, United States of America, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Science and Decisions Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Land Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Western Geographic Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water, Nevada Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Water, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), Ecosystems, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, United States of America, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Water Resources, Water, New York Water Science Center, Water Resources, New Jersey, United States of America, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Water Resources, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Energy Resources Program, United States of America, Eastern Energy and Environmental Laboratory, Oklahoma Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Water Resources, Water, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, New Jersey Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Water Resources, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Land Resources, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Water, Nevada Water Science Center, Water Resources, United States of America, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Science and Decisions Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Water Availability and Use Science Program, United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Earthquake Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, California, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Fort Collins Science Center, Ecosystems, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Water, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, United States of America, Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Florida, United States of America, Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Central Midwest Water Science Center, Water Resources, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Data, National Geospatial Program, United States of America, 3D Elevation Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Biology and Ecosystems, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Water Resources, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Water, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Water Resources, Indiana, United States of America, New England Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Utah Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Western Fisheries Research Center, Ecosystems, Fisheries Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Leetown Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Texas Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 6: Arkansas-Rio Grande-Texas-Gulf, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Volcano Hazards Program Office, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Alaska Science Center, Ecosystems, Region 11: Alaska, Volcano Hazards Program Office
View Citation
Neal, C.A., and Anderson, K.R., 2020, Preliminary analyses of volcanic hazards at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, 2017–2018: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2020–1002, 34 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201002.
Year Published: 2017
Volcanic air pollution hazards in Hawaii
Noxious sulfur dioxide gas and other air pollutants emitted from Kīlauea Volcano on the Island of Hawai‘i react with oxygen, atmospheric moisture, and sunlight to produce volcanic smog (vog) and acid rain. Vog can negatively affect human health and agriculture, and acid rain can contaminate household water supplies by leaching metals from building...
Elias, Tamar; Sutton, A. JeffAttribution: Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Land Change Science Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Water Resources, Northwest - Pacific Islands, Marshall Islands, Water Resources, , Cooperative Research Units, Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, Washington, United States of America, Western Ecological Research Center, Ecosystems, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Geomagnetism Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, United States of America, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, Alaska Science Center, Region 11: Alaska, Southwest Biological Science Center, Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, , United States of America, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Land Change Science Program, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, United States of America, Natural Hazards, Geologic Hazards Science Center, Natural Hazards, Landslide Hazards Program, Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin, California, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Energy & Wildlife, United States of America, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Ecosystems, Sage-grouse & Sagebrush Ecosystem, United States of America, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Land Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Water Resources, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Natural Hazards, Earthquake Science Center, Natural Hazards, Science Application for Risk Reduction, United States of America, Reducing Risk, National Wildlife Health Center, Ecosystems, Cooperative Research Units, California Water Science Center, Water Resources, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Water Resources, , United States of America, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, Environmental Health, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Biology and Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Ecosystems, Region 4: Mississippi Basin, Great Lakes Science Center, Ecosystems, , St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Astrogeology Science Center, Natural Hazards, , , Cooperative Research Units, Cooperative Research Units, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, Water Resources, Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian, , Volcano Hazards Program Office
View Citation
Elias, T., and Sutton, A.J., 2017, Volcanic air pollution hazards in Hawaii: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2017–3017, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20173017.
Year Published: 2013
The first five years of Kīlauea’s summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, 2008–2013
The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater that began in March 2008 is the longest summit eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, on the Island of Hawai‘i, since 1924. From the time the eruption began, the new "Overlook crater" inside Halema‘uma‘u has exhibited fluctuating lava lake activity, occasional small explosive events, and a persistent gas plume. The...
Patrick, Matthew R.; Orr, Tim R.; Sutton, A.J.; Elias, Tamar; Swanson, Donald A.Attribution: , Volcano Hazards Program Office
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The first five years of Kīlauea’s summit eruption in Halema‘uma‘u Crater, 2008–2013; 2013; FS; 2013-3116; Patrick, Matthew R.; Orr, Tim; Sutton, Andrew J.; Elias, Tamar; Swanson, Don
Year Published: 2013
The ongoing Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi: 30 years of eruptive activity
The Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruption of Kīlauea Volcano is its longest rift-zone eruption in more than 500 years. Since the eruption began in 1983, lava flows have buried 48 square miles (125 square kilometers) of land and added about 500 acres (200 hectares) of new land to the Island of Hawaiʻi. The eruption not only challenges local communities, which must...
Orr, Tim R.; Heliker, Christina; Patrick, Matthew R.Attribution: , Volcano Hazards Program Office
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The ongoing Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi: 30 years of eruptive activity; 2013; FS; 2012-3127; Orr, Tim R.; Heliker, Christina; Patrick, Matthew R.
Year Published: 2012
Mauna Loa--history, hazards and risk of living with the world's largest volcano
Mauna Loa on the Island Hawaiʻi is the world’s largest volcano. People residing on its flanks face many hazards that come with living on or near an active volcano, including lava flows, explosive eruptions, volcanic smog, damaging earthquakes, and local tsunami (giant seawaves). The County of Hawaiʻi (Island of Hawaiʻi) is the...
Trusdell, Frank A.View Citation
Mauna Loa--history, hazards and risk of living with the world's largest volcano; 2012; FS; 2012-3104; Trusdell, Frank A.
Year Published: 2012
Sulfur dioxide emission rates from Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, 2007-2010
Kīlauea Volcano has one of the longest running volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate databases on record. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from Kīlauea Volcano were first measured by Stoiber and Malone (1975) and have been measured on a regular basis since 1979 (Elias and Sutton, 2007, and references within). Compilations of SO2...
Elias, T.; Sutton, A.J.View Citation
Sulfur dioxide emission rates from Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, 2007-2010; 2012; OFR; 2012-1107; Elias, T. ; Sutton, A. J.
Year Published: 2011
Kīlauea - An explosive volcano in Hawai‘i
Kīlauea Volcano on the Island of Hawai‘i, though best known for its frequent quiet eruptions of lava flows, has erupted explosively many times in its history - most recently in 2011. At least six such eruptions in the past 1,500 years sent ash into the jet stream, at the cruising altitudes for today's aircraft. The eruption of 1790...
Swanson, Donald A.; Fiske, Dick; Rose, Tim; Houghton, Bruce F.; Mastin, LarryView Citation
Kīlauea-an Explosive Volcano in Hawai‘i; 2011; FS; 2011-3064; Swanson, Don; Fiske, Dick; Rose, Tim; Houghton, Bruce; Mastin, Larry
Year Published: 2007
Sulfur Dioxide Emission Rates from Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i, an Update: 2002-2006
Introduction Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates from Kilauea Volcano were first measured by Stoiber and Malone (1975) and have been measured on a regular basis since 1979 (Greenland and others, 1985; Casadevall and others, 1987; Elias and others, 1998; Sutton and others, 2001, Elias and Sutton, 2002, Sutton and others, 2003). Compilations of...
Elias, Tamar; Sutton, A.J.View Citation
Sulfur Dioxide Emission Rates from Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i, an Update: 2002-2006; 2007; OFR; 2007-1114; Elias, Tamar; Sutton, A. J.
Date published: June 21, 2018
Kīlauea Volcano Erupts
Today's update for June 21st, 2018 will be the last of the daily updates on this USGS feature story. We encourage you to keep checking the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) Kīlauea status website for daily activity updates. You can also visit the USGS Facebook page and the USGS Twitter feed as updates become available. For press inquiries, please email volcanomedia@usgs.gov.
Date published: May 18, 2017
EarthWord–Vog
Just like smog and fog, this EarthWord is not what you want to see while driving...
Date published: August 18, 2016
Living with Vog on an Active Volcano: New Resources
New informational products about the health hazards of volcanic air pollution known as “vog,” are available through a new interagency partnership.
Attribution: Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards Program Office
Date published: October 5, 2015
EarthWord: Fumarole
Fumaroles are openings in the earth’s surface that emit steam and volcanic gases, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. They can occur as holes, cracks, or fissures near active volcanoes or in areas where magma has risen into the earth’s crust without erupting. A fumarole can vent for centuries or quickly go extinct, depending on the longevity of its heat source.
Attribution: Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards Program Office
Date published: February 11, 2015
New Study Looks at How People Cope with Vog
A new study to examine how people who live downwind of Kīlauea Volcano cope with volcanic gas emissions, or vog, is currently underway.
Date published: January 27, 2012
Kilauea’s Volcanic Gases and Their Environmental Impacts
U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists Jeff Sutton and Tamar Elias will update information on Kīlauea Volcano’s gas emissions and associated environmental impacts. Their presentation will be at the park’s Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park entrance fees apply.
Attribution:
Date published: June 20, 2007
Hazardous Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations Measured at Kilauea Volcano
Today, HVO scientists measured concentrations greater than 10 ppm in a broad area adjacent to Halema‘uma‘u crater. Sulfur Dioxide gas is persistently emitted at Kîlauea's summit. Typical concentrations are generally negligible except for areas downwind of Halema‘uma‘u crater, where they can get up to 2.5 ppm (parts-per-million) in narrow zones.
Attribution:
August 30, 2018
PubTalk 8/2018 — What on Earth is going on at Kilauea Volcano?
Title: What on Earth is going on at Kilauea Volcano?
- First significant summit explosions in nearly a century
- Largest summit collapse volume since at least 1800
- Voluminous fissure eruptions feeding channelized lava flow
- Unparalleled new opportunities for understanding the volcanic system
August 16, 2016
USGS HVO geochemist measuring gases released from Kīlauea Volcano
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geochemist measuring gases released from Kïlauea with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, an instrument that detects gas compositions on the basis of absorbed infrared light. The data obtained from FTIR measurements have been useful in identifying the many components of volcanic-gas emissions, which provide information on the
...
August 16, 2016
Gas plume from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Kilauea Volcano
With stagnant winds present, the plume from Halema`uma`u Crater at the summit of Kilauea Volcano, stands straight up, showing off the distant, but bright, full moon.
April 14, 2016
Fumarole on Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
Fumarole on Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi. Elemental sulfur vapor escaping from the fumarole has cooled to form yellow-colored crystals around its margins. Credit: Robert L. Christiansen.
May 31, 2014
Monitoring Volcanic Gases on Kilauea's East Rift Zone II
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course. Instrumentation at this site measures ambient concentration of noxious sulfur dioxide gas released from the volcano's vents, along with
...
May 31, 2014
Monitoring Volcanic Gases on Kilauea's East Rift Zone
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geochemist Jeff Sutton and CSAV international volcanology students visit a continuous gas monitoring site on Kilauea's east rift zone during field studies portion of the summer training course. Instrumentation at this site measures ambient concentration of noxious sulfur dioxide gas released from the volcano's vents, along with meteorological
...
July 30, 2012
Volcano Hazards
The United States has 169 active volcanoes. More than half of them could erupt explosively, sending ash up to 20,000 or 30,000 feet where commercial air traffic flies. USGS scientists are working to improve our understanding of volcano hazards to help protect communities and reduce the risks.
Video Sections:
- Volcanoes: Monitoring Volcanoes
Attribution: Volcano Hazards Program Office
June 30, 2011
The Air We Breathe…It’s a Gas!
We live at the bottom of an ocean of air. Most adults take around 29,000 breaths a day, children breathe a little faster; but what is in this air we breathe? What are the gases in the air? How much of each gas is there? Do these gases have different weights? How cold are liquid nitrogen and dry ice, and where did those names come from? Come join us to explore these
December 17, 2009
Sulfur Crystals
A beautiful example of sulfur crystals that have grown around a small fumarole near the southeast rim of Halema`uma`u crater. The vent is about 0.3 m (1 foot) long.
Attribution: Volcano Hazards Program Office
November 16, 2008
Halema'uma'u Gas Plume Variations (November 17, 2008)
The erupting vent within Halema'uma'u Crater at Kilauea's summit (see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/timeline/ for links describing eruptive activity at the summit of Kilauea Volcano) typically produces a white to gray gas plume dominated by steam. While ashy plumes released by collapses and explosive events are
Attribution:
September 3, 2008
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Monitors Kilauea's Summit Eruption
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (foreground) is located on the caldera rim of Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'ithe most active volcano in the world. The observatory's location provides an excellent view of summit eruptive activity, which began in 2008.
