Tamar Elias
Science and Products
Volcano Watch — Heat and gases linger on Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone
One year ago, activity on Kīlauea Volcano was remarkably different than it is today. Lava was flowing toward the sea, robust ocean entry plumes were fumigating coastal areas, and island air quality was impacted by huge amounts of volcanic gases and particles.
Volcano Watch - Eruption pause provides an opportunity to probe volcanic pollution
The end of Kīlauea's 2018 eruption this past September was accompanied by an enormous decrease in the amount of sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) emitted from the volcano. This has led to beautifully clear skies gracing the Island of Hawai‘i, particularly noticeable on the west side, where the volcanic pollution known as vog chronically collected in past years.
Volcano Watch — We're giving thanks for clean air, but what's that new smell?
In this season of giving thanks, Island of Hawai‘i residents and visitors can be thankful for the return of good air quality, generally free of volcanic air pollution.
Volcano Watch — Voggy skies from days gone by: reviewing Kīlauea Volcano's gas release
Many Island of Hawai‘i residents are familiar with the volcanic air pollution known as "vog." The main culprit in the formation of vog is sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) released from Kīlauea's eruptions (see vog.ivhhn.org/what-vog for more information).
Volcano Watch — New informational products offer guidance on living with vog in Hawaii
For this winter's vog season, new resources are available to help people become familiar with, and minimize their exposure to, vog.
Volcano Watch — Freddy fungus and Annie alga versus the volcano
On the Island of Hawai‘i, lichens are important colonists of young lava flows, particularly ‘a‘ā lava.
Volcano Watch — Dual nature of vog results in air quality variety show
The first few months of 2016 have brought a range of wind and weather conditions to the Island of Hawai‘i.
Volcano Watch — Frozen in time: ice and snow yield secrets from the past
Hawai`i Island residents and visitors eagerly awaiting the season's first snowfall were rewarded this past week. By Wednesday morning, a light dusting of snow was visible on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Volcano Watch — Volcanoes affect atmospheric ozone, our friend and foe
Summer in Hawaiʻi - a season for school vacations, shave ice, and Japanese bon dances. Trade winds blow most of the time, which is good news for east Hawaiʻi residents, as the noxious emissions from Kīlauea volcano, the island's largest pollution source, are blown to the west side of the island.
Volcano Watch — Native `ohi`a lehua tree closes its pores to volcanic pollution
The past week marked the celebration of the 42nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival on the island of Hawai`i. Throughout the seven-day cultural event, participants and spectators can be observed wearing beautiful lei, many created with native Hawaiʻian plants.
Volcano Watch — Aloha e na makani `olu`olu; we welcome the return of the tradewinds
Residents of east Hawai`i are finally getting some relief from nearly two months of intermittently poor air quality caused by sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas and acidic particles released from Kīlauea- and the southerly winds that kept these emissions in east Hawai`i.
Volcano Watch — Seasonal surprises are not only in Santa's realm
As winter solstice draws near, the seasonal tradition of illuminating this darkest time of year becomes more obvious. Already many homes, shops, and trees are gaily lit with strings of Christmas bulbs, and this past week, Chanukah, the "Festival of Light" began.