Thread: As Hawaii volcano erupts, let's remember that California has at least 19

As Hawaii volcano erupts, let's remember that California has at least 19


As experts fear Hawaii's Kilauea volcano will blow its top in the coming days or weeks.

By Luis GomezContact Reporter

Stunning images of the Kilauea volcano eruption in Hawaii have wowed people all over the U.S. and the world, and led to surprising reminders for some Californians that the state has volcanoes of its own.

At least 19, to be more precise, with seven of them considered to be “high threat” or “very high threat” volcanoes, per the U.S. Geological Survey in California.

View image on Twitter

Cynthia Pridmore@earthquakemom


CA volcanoes are monitored by scientists at the USGS California Volcano Observatory. The state has 7 high to very high threat volcanoes, learn more about them at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/calvo/ …

11:37 AM - May 9, 2018

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One underlying fact about some of these volcanoes is that California sits directly on top of the so-called Ring of Fire, which is responsible for earthquake and volcanic activity in a vast region touching coasts on the Pacific Ocean. Some of the countries on the Ring of Fire are Australia, Japan, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Chile.

What else should we know about California’s volcanoes?

Here’s some quick facts.

19 or more volcanic areas in California

Not all volcanoes in California are monitored by the USGS, but at least 19 regions are on its radar. Those include:

1. Brushy Butte
2. Clear Lake Volcanic Field
3. Coso Volcanic Field
4. Eagle Lake Volcanic Field
5. Golden Trout Creek Volcanic Field
6. Lassen Volcanic Center
7. Lavic Lake Volcanic Field
8. Long Valley Caldera
9. Mammoth Mountain
10. ​​​​​​​Medicine Lake
11. Mono Lake Volcanic Field
12. Mono-Inyo Chain
13. ​​​​​​​Mount Shasta
14. ​​​​​​​Salton Buttes
15. Silver Lake Volcanic Field
16. Soda Lakes
17. Tumble Buttes
18. Twin Buttes
19. ​​​​​​​Ubehebe Craters

Seven are a potential threat

Depending on the size and proximity to populated areas, only a few volcanoes are considered a potential threat. Three volcanoes are considered a “very high threat”:

1. Lassen Volcanic Center, which is in Northern California east of Redding.
2. Long Valley Caldera, which is in Mono County, north east of the Fresno valley.
3. ​​​​​​​Mount Shasta, which is about 61 miles north of Redding.

Four are considered a “high threat”:

1. Clear Lake Volcanic Field, which is just north of the Napa Valley.
2. ​​​​​​​Medicine Lake, which is in Northern California close to the border to Oregon.
3. Mono-Inyo Chain, which is also in the central California region.
4. ​​​​​​​Salton Buttes, which is in Southern California by the Salton Sea.

Four reported deaths

California’s volcanoes haven’t proven to be all that deadly compared to other parts of the world. From 1784 to 2017, there have been only four reported deaths related to volcanic activity in California, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Applied Volcanology.

One skier died from volcanic gas inhalation near a lake in Mammoth in 1998, and three others died from similar gas inhalation in the same area in 2006, the study reported.

Most recorded volcano deaths in the U.S., some 421 fatalities, have occurred from direct or indirect activity at Kilauea.

FILE PHOTO - May 26, 2016, Carlsbad, Californa - A kiosk at Lake Calavera explains Mount Calavera shown above, the area's large hill that's visible for miles, is a "volcanic plug, " one of North America's smallest volcanos. Charlie Neuman/San Diego Union-Tribune

Is there a volcano in San Diego County?

The short answer: not anymore.

Geologist Michael Levenson said some 22 million years ago there was one in a region that is now part of Carlsbad. When that volcano became extinct, it created what’s called a “volcanic plug” and is now a popular hiking destination named Mount Calavera.

Why are we talking about volcanoes?

Volcanic activity on Hawaii began with a 6.9 magnitude earthquake last Friday but it has been the flowing lava, and everything it threatens and destroys in its path, that has renewed focus on civilization’s preparedness for volcano eruptions. If you haven’t seen those images, this video from the Associated Press captures lava flowing and spewing on the island.

Recent video from the air and on the ground captures the force of the lava flows spewing across sections of the Big Island of Hawaii. Lava flows from a new eruption that began Thur ...At least at the moment, a more pressing concern than volcanoes across California is … earthquakes.

But often even the most seasoned seismology experts sleep through those.

Dr. Lucy Jones

✔@DrLucyJones


This morning's M4.5 felt from San Diego to Los Angeles. More than 7000 people have reported feeling it. You can too at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ci38167848#dyfi …

I slept through it.

5:58 AM - May 8, 2018

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Correction: This story previously stated that Hawaii sits on the Ring of Fire. As pointed out by a reader, California volcanoes are part of the Ring of Fire; Hawaiian volcanoes are formed from a different set of forces.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/...htmlstory.html

Hawaii volcano raises concerns of eruptions along West Coast

What hype! Hawaii is a volcano. The islands were created by volcanoes. And several volcanoes there have remained active.

There are many inactive or dormant volcanoes all over the world. Then, like earthquake faults, new one can appear anywhere.

I get a kick that each time a 4.5 earthquake happens around Palm Springs, the local news station begin running the doomsday warnings about the "Big One". The latest brought the prediction of a 6.9 within 30 years. I think it is all about selling insurance. Now this one, where an active volcano in Hawaii, is reason for California to panic?

What is Volcano Insurance? Do I Need It?


If you are like most people, your primary knowledge of volcanoes comes from movies and school science projects. While volcanoes are great Hollywood material, volcanic eruptions have very real consequences. In 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington, blowing off the top half of its peak. The combination of lava, ash, smoke and flames wiped out homes, businesses, roads, vehicles and wilderness for miles in all directions. If you live near an active or dormant volcano, you should know that there is insurance coverage available to you that could really make a difference when the unexpected happens. Volcano insurance endorsements are solutions that make sense for a certain group of homeowners.

FAQs About U.S. Volcanoes

• There are 98 known volcanoes in Alaska, 21 in California and 16 in Hawaii
• 17 states are home to known volcanoes
• The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 is one of the largest eruptions ever recorded; 90 people died and the eruption caused $860 million in damage

Are There Volcanoes in My Part of the Country?

Known volcanoes exist in 17 states, many of which have not erupted in millions of years.

Kilauea in Hawaii has been continually erupting for the last 30 years. The U.S. Geological Survey provides the latest information about known volcanoes. Every now and then, the survey will locate a new volcano based on seismic activity, changes in heights of mountains and a buildup of magma under the earth’s surface in a particular part of the country.

The following states have active volcanoes:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Oregon
• Washington
• Wyoming

States that have dormant or extinct volcanoes include:

• Arizona
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia

Alaska has the most volcanoes of all U.S. states, with 98 known active, dormant or extinct volcanoes. Oregon has 42 volcanoes, California has 21 and Hawaii and Washington both have 16.

Active, Dormant and Extinct Volcanoes

There are basically three types of volcanoes:

1. Active volcanoes are currently erupting or have erupted in recent history.
2. Dormant volcanoes have not erupted for hundreds or thousands of years, but have the potential to erupt again sometime in the future. Mount St. Helens in Washington state is an example of a dormant volcano which erupted in 1980 and again in 2008 after dormancy for thousands of years.
   
3. Extinct volcanoes are those that have not erupted for years and show no signs of ever erupting again.

Is There Such a Thing as Volcano Insurance?

In 2010, there was a prominent volcanic eruption in Iceland that caused major problems for air traffic around Europe for weeks afterward. That eruption started some talk about introducing volcano insurance for businesses like airlines which may suffer some economic damage from volcanic activity.

Volcano policies don’t exist per se, but there are some companies that will offer volcano endorsements in low-risk states. Much of the property damage that may result from a volcanic event could be covered by a standard homeowners policy. It is important to look at the details of coverage in your policy to find out if you have or need coverage in the event of a volcano eruption. Fire damage, smoke damage and perhaps rocks falling that hit your house may be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Other volcano-related effects like flooding and earthquakes could require separate coverage, even if they can be traced to the volcanic event.

How to Determine if Volcano Coverage Is Available

If you live in a high-risk area like Alaska or Hawaii, it is a good idea to have home insurance coverage that can offer protection for volcanic events. You may be able to add a special endorsement to increase your coverage. If you have a homeowners policy that covers fire and smoke damage plus some comprehensive coverage for falling objects, you may already have the protection you need from a volcanic eruption and won’t need special endorsements.

This is a good thing to discuss with an agent who understands the risks in your area.

https://www.trustedchoice.com/catast...cano-coverage/

Trump declares a major disaster in Hawaii after volcanic eruptions and lava


By Nicole Chavez, CNN
Updated 5:39 PM ET, Sat May 12, 2018

(CNN)President Donald Trump declared a major disaster in Hawaii after days of volcanic activity that sent molten lava and toxic fumes spewing into residential neighborhoods.

The declaration allows federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the Kilauea volcanic eruption and earthquake.

Federal funding is available to state, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis, the White House said.

The Kilauea volcano erupted May 3, leaving the future of hundreds of people in Hawaii's Big Island uncertain.

The threat of violent explosions prompted authorities to close the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Friday until further notice.

16th vent reported

The volcanic vents, or fissures, on the ground that released slow-moving lava and toxic gas into island communities are still a hazard.

A new, 16th fissure was reported Saturday along the existing vent system. No significant lava was reported from any of the vents but "additional outbreaks of lava are likely," the US Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said.



Lava quickly swallowed his Ford Mustang. But he's more upset about his destroyed R2-D2 mailbox


The HVO also said an explosive eruption is possible at Halemaumau crater at the top of the Kilauea volcano. Such an eruption could generate ash plumes over an area 12 miles from the summit crater, the HOV said.

Volunteers are assisting about 300 evacuees who have been sleeping at emergency shelters. Lawmakers are concerned it could take weeks or even months before they can return home, CNN affiliate Hawaii News Now reported.

Authorities have also allowed the nearly 2,000 evacuees to go inside their homes and pick up their belongings under the warning that they could have to rush out once again.

The estimated cost to protect residents over the next 30 days is expected to exceed $2.9 million, according to the governor's office.

Toxic gas

Hazardous fumes continue to be released, putting the health of residents and emergency crews in danger.

There are high levels of sulfur dioxide, which can cause headaches and irritation to the lungs and eyes if inhaled at higher concentrations, the University of Hawaii at Hilo says.



Hawaiian vacation planned, but worried about air quality? Go


Erupting volcanoes spew the hazardous sulfur dioxide gas. If conditions are right, that gas and other pollutants can settle with moisture and dust to create a haze called volcanic smog, or "vog," with tiny sulfuric acid droplets.

High levels of acidic particles in vog "can induce asthma attacks, especially in adolescents, and can also impede the ability of the upper respiratory tract to remove other potentially harmful particles," the USGS says.

More lava?

The lava emission appears to have paused since Wednesday but scientists are warning residents of acid rain, falling ash and eruptions that could occur in coming weeks.

The explosions would "provide very little warning," officials say, and could send "ballistic projectiles" -- from the size of small pebbles to giant rocks -- into the sky.



Volcanic ash. Acid rain. And now massive boulders? All the calamities Hawaii is facing


It's uncertain how big the explosions could be but scientists have said that the Kilauea volcano appears to be mimicking behavior last seen in 1924.

During nearly three weeks of activity, blocks weighing as much as 14 tons were blasted from the crater. One person was killed by falling debris. Volcanic ash was seen rising as high as 20,000 feet above sea level.

New lava outbreaks can begin "at any time" as well as "more energetic ash emissions," the USGS warned.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/12/us/ha...ano/index.html

Today's Earthquakes in California, United States - Earthquake Track
https://www.earthquaketrack.com/p/united-states/california/recent
California, United States has had: (M1.5 or greater). 36 earthquakes in the past 24 hours; 183 earthquakes in the past 7 days; 667 earthquakes in the past 30 days ...‎San Francisco Bay Area · ‎Northern California · ‎Recent Earthquakes Near ... · ‎Anza

World’s biggest active geyser erupts at Yellowstone National Park for fifth time this year

'There is nothing to indicate that any sort of volcanic eruption is imminent'

• Independent Reporter
• 2 hours ago
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Steamboat Geyser screengrab

The world’s largest active geyser has erupted for a fifth time this year, prompting geologists to quell fears that a supervolcano is set to explode.

The cause of the Steamboat Geyser's sudden restiveness remains unknown.

But the US Geological Survey have dismissed concerns that it could mean a giant underground store of magma – enough to cover half the US in lava – is about to blow from Yellowstone National Park.

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It said Steamboat “also had frequent eruptions in the 1960s and early 1980s in a series of tweets.

“No implications for volcanic activity, but good implications for viewing some spectacular geysering this summer," it added.

Michael Poland, head of volcano observatory, said:

“There is nothing to indicate that any sort of volcanic eruption is imminent.”

Steamboat’s increased activity, he said, simply “reflected the randomness of geysers,”



Steamboat Geyser (screengrab)

At its most powerful the geyser has been known to shoot water 115 metres into the air. That’s three times taller than it’s more famous and more frequent Yellowstone neighbour, Old Faithful, which blasts off every hour or so.

The extensive geothermal activity at the park – which is spread across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho – is caused by a magma chamber more than 50 miles long and 12 miles wide beneath the earth’s surface.

If that ever explodes, it is estimated it would not only cover half the US in lava but also disrupt weather patterns across the planet.

Earlier this month scientists deployed 28 seismographs to the area to gather data during its current period of activity.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...-a8350796.html

Glaciers melting at 'worst-ever' rate

16:22, UK, Thursday 10 May 2018



0:43
Video:Scientists who have monitored glaciers in New Zealand say they are seeing the worst melt for 40 years.

VIDEO @ https://news.sky.com/video/glaciers-...-rate-11366587

• Volcanoes. Geysers. Earthquakes.
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• Mother Earth sure seems angry right now

One eruption of an active volcano and John is on an End-Of-Days panic!