Kilauea Volcano: A Rumbling Threat
Posted at 12:51 pm April 7, 2008 by Alan Lieberman
The glow at night and the pillar of smoke have even the local villagers in Volcano Hawaii talking in loud voices in the local post office. Not more than two miles south of the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center on the Big Island of Hawaii sits the Kilauea Volcano and its smoking core, the Halemaumau Crater – fabled to be the home of the Pele, goddess of fire. Since early March of this year, the Halemaumau vent has been releasing ash, steam, and sulphur dioxide in a towering plume of smoke that can be seen for miles. Although we are used to the constant smell of “vog” (volcanic fog) here at the bird propagation center, this new eruption and constant volcanic belching is of some concern. Here’s more information from the National Park Service…
Fortunately, the prevailing tradewinds have been pushing the fumes southwest, away from the facility. Rarely do the winds blow from the south, so for now, the birds, the staff, and the facilities are out of harm’s way, but we need to be prepared. If Madame Pele continues to fuss and fume and the winds come in our direction, we need to be prepared.
Staff will be protected with masks and respirators and we may have to box and transport the bird inventory to temporary quarters at the Maui Bird Conservation Center, our sister facility. Although the evacuation accommodations on Maui will be tight, it is best to be prepared—after all, these birds are species that are perhaps the most endangered in the world!
In the meantime, the volcanic gases and the bubbling lava that flows from Kilauea and the Pu`u O`o vent on the volcano’s west flank are providing a spectacular show for tourists, residents, and the volcanologists who are thrilled with so much volcanic activity.
Alan Lieberman is the conservation program manager for the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.
Here’s more information about the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program…
Listen to an iZoofari Chat with Alan, posted in October 2007…
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April 8th, 2008 at 8:30 am
I visited the volcano National Park in 1988, and was impressed with the potential of the fury of the volcano. I remember the odor of sulphur as we walked up to the crater, and it wasn’t even spewing anything at that time. I can just imagine how strong the odor is, even though it is currently blowing away from you. We will be watching, and hoping, that everyone (including the precious birds) are OK and out of harms way.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Wow, oh wow!! Please be careful. I used to live on Oahu and one of our favorite things was visiting the big island. We were able to see many eruptions and remark on how beautiful. But also how terrifying and worrisome with the lava flows. It sounds like you are prepared. Please keep us posted!
April 8th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
CNN has just reported that there has been a wind shift and toxic fumes are forcing evacuation in the area.Please know that we worry for your safety and all the birds in your area and care.
April 11th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Good luck and keep yourselves - and those in your care - safe.