HR: 0830h
AN: V21C-0523    [PDF]
TI: Two Decades of Degassing at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i: Perspectives on Island Impacts
AU: * Elias, T
EM: telias@usgs.gov
AF: USGS, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory POB 51, Hawaii Ntl Park, HI 96718 United States
AU: Sutton, A J
EM: ajsutton@usgs.gov
AF: USGS, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory POB 51, Hawaii Ntl Park, HI 96718 United States
AB: The ongoing eruption of Kilauea provides an opportunity to examine how volcanic emissions impact the natural and human environment of the island of Hawai`i. Kilauea has released $\sim$ 13 megatons of SO$_{2}$ gas into the troposphere since the current eruption began in 1983, more than any single anthropogenic source in the U.S. During prevailing trade wind conditions, measurements of SO$_{2}$ gas, aerosol mass, and aerosol acidity downwind of Kilauea document the conversion of SO$_{2}$ to acid aerosol as the plume propagates to the leeward side of the island. Lidar measurements suggest a gas-to-particle conversion rate (t$_{1/2}$) of 6 hours. When trade winds are disrupted, ambient SO$_{2}$ and particle measurements in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park have shown episodes of particle concentrations of $\sim$ 100 $\mu$g/m$^{3}$ and SO$_{2}$ concentrations in excess of 4000 ppb. Federal health standards and WHO guidelines for SO$_{2}$ have been exceeded repeatedly at this near-source location. Documented effects from volcanic emissions on the island of Hawai`i include the rapid corrosion of metal objects, degradation of domestic water quality, agricultural crop damage, and adverse impacts on human respiratory and pulmonary function. Other impacts may include decreases in local rainfall and increased mortality of asthmatics. For the period 1986 to 1993, after the eruption became continuous, deaths from asthma on the island of Hawai`i increased by a factor of ten. Three current health studies seek to investigate the relationship between exposure to volcanic pollution and health effects. In addition to measuring gas and particle exposures, these studies examine lung development in children around the island, disease prevalence in adults residing in communities downwind of volcanic degassing sources, and acute effects in asthmatic children and healthy children and adults. In the absence of conclusive evidence linking exposure and health effects, the USGS, in collaboration with the National Park Service, has developed a real-time advisory for heavily visited park areas known to exceed U.S. Air Quality Standards. This color-coded system informs and advises park visitors and employees when ambient SO$_{2}$ concentrations exceed predetermined levels.
DE: 0305 Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801)
DE: 0345 Pollution--urban and regional (0305)
DE: 8409 Atmospheric effects (0370)
SC: Volcanology, Geochemistry, Petrology [V]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting