Kilauea Is Erupting Again
Vocab level: C1
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Kilauea volcano is one of the world's most active volcanoes,
and is now in a period of eruption that began on December 23rd.
The current eruption has had seven episodes of activity, with pauses in between each of them.
But why is it so active?
Well, the Hawaiian Islands were formed by a volcanic hotspot, and Kilauea sits above that hotspot,
which is high in magma supply and feeds magma from within the Earth's mantle.
This causes frequent eruptions and explains why this volcano has cyclic eruptions.
Scientists warn that high levels of volcanic gas are being released from the volcano,
and are causing some concern for residents downwind.
Gases such as sulfur dioxide can react with the atmosphere and create what's called "vog,"
a hazy air pollutant that can irritate the skin and have respiratory effects.
It's only when eruptions are active that gas emissions are elevated.
This eruption will stop when magma has enough time to cool in the vent,
so it won't be able to restart again.
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