Volcano Journal Entry

New Kilauea Vent Spits Gas (March 31, 2008)

A new vent on Hawaii's Kilauea volcano is spitting out huge amounts of gas. This month, sulfur dioxide levels were the highest ever recorded at the volcano. Meanwhile, lava keeps flowing into the ocean at Waikupanaha.

At one point, officials considered closing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park until strong tradewinds finally blew the toxic gas fumes away.

Last year, emissions of sulfur dioxide were about 150 to 200 metric tons per day. Recently, the level climbed as high as 2,000 metric tons per day. Scientists aren't sure why there's been such a sharp rise. It may be a sign the volcano is getting ready for a larger eruption. They'll keep watching for other warning signs.

Kilauea is one of five volcanoes that make up the island of Hawaii. It's among the most active volcanoes in the world. The volcano is a type known as a hot spot volcano. Magma from deep within the mantle burns its way through the crust much like a blowtorch. Hot spot volcanoes can occur far from the edges of Earth's tectonic plates where most other volcanoes erupt.

Vulcanologists say Kilauea first erupted between 300,000 and 600,000 years ago. Its eruptions have deposited layer upon layer of lava that give the volcano its shield-like shape. Although most of its eruptions are gentle, Kilauea sometimes bursts with more violent explosions. An eruption in 1790 killed scores of people near its summit.