Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active, recently erupted on the Big Island, captivating geologists and locals alike. This eruption reminds us of the immense power hidden beneath Earth’s crust and the critical environmental implications of volcanic activity.
What Happens During a Volcanic Eruption?
Volcanic eruptions release a mixture of gases and particles into the atmosphere.
Major Gases (99%):
Water Vapor (H₂O)
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
Minor Gases (1%):
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)
These gases significantly impact air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and local ecosystems.
About Kilauea Volcano
Overview
Kilauea is among the most active volcanoes globally, offering frequent opportunities for scientific study.
Location
Found in the southeastern part of Hawaii’s Big Island, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Features
Caldera Formation:
The summit has collapsed, forming a caldera, a large, shallow depression.
Sloping Terrain:
Its slopes seamlessly merge with those of the adjacent Mauna Loa volcano, another iconic geological feature of the island.
Importance of Kilauea
Scientific Significance:
Provides valuable data on volcanic behavior, tectonic activity, and magma dynamics.
Environmental Impact:
Sulfur dioxide emissions contribute to the formation of volcanic smog (vog), affecting air quality and human health.
Cultural Importance:
Revered in Hawaiian mythology, Kilauea is associated with Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.
Tourism and Economy:
The frequent eruptions draw millions of tourists, boosting the local economy.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding volcanic activity is crucial for topics like Geography, Disaster Management, and Environmental Issues in the UPSC syllabus.
Key Points:
Tectonic Plate Dynamics: Kilauea sits on the Pacific Plate, influenced by a hotspot.
Disaster Preparedness: Lessons from Kilauea highlight the importance of monitoring and early warning systems.
Practice Question
Consider the following statements about Kilauea Volcano:
Kilauea is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The gases released during an eruption are primarily hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen chloride.
Its slopes are connected with those of Mauna Loa.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
D) 1,2 and 3