LAVA FLOW HAZARDS

How to protect yourself and others

Hazards Encountered on LavaTypes of Hazards:

Existing Health Problems Rough TerrainHeat Related HazardsLava HazardsExplosions––CollapsesGases––SteamWeather

Existing Health Problems

Some visitors have pre–existing health problems that can be exacerbated on the lava flows.

Heart conditions––strokes, heart attacksDiabetes––insulin shock, blackoutsLung problems––asthma, etc.

Existing Health ProblemsWhat can we do?

Discuss (individually) or hand out questionaire to participants. Make sure anyone with an existing condition has the appropriate medication with them.

Assess the situation and discourage participation by those that may at high risk.

Minimize exposure to risk elements. For example, make sure that asthma suffers are not exposed to or have protection from gas and fumes etc..

Rough Terrain

Sharp, glassy surfaces

Extensive crack systems on new lava

Large, hidden cracks on rifts

Unstable lava surfaces

Distances hard to judge

Difficulty navigating, esp. in weather or clouds

Heat Related HazardsWalking on “cold” lava on a warm day with a wind can lead to dehydration

Things get much worse approaching active lava.

Radiated and covected heat vs. conducted

Hot air downwind of flows and skylights.

‘A‘ā heats air more than pahoehoe

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Related HazardsMinimize time in hot areas or very close to lava.

Make sure everyone has adequate water and is fully hydrated before getting to the active lava.

Lava Related HazardsThin crust over flows and lava tubes

Unpredictable breakouts, surges in system, changes in speed and direction

Collapse of channels

Unanticipated changes in vents or tubes

Lava Related HazardsAlways anticipate change, always plan escape routes prior to entering eruption areas.

Wear protective clothing to prevent burns

Have good footwear.

Collapses and ExplosionsLava may move in or out of regions unexpectedly causing collapses or breakouts.

Methane explosions

Bench collapses due to underwater instability.

Collapses and ExplosionsDo not venture into regions that you are uncertain of the conditions in.

Be extremely careful approaching active lava through vegetated older flows. Old pāhoehoe is more dangerous than ‘a‘ā.

Stay well back of benches and watch for any signs of instability.

Collapses and ExplosionsDo not venture into regions that you are uncertain of the conditions in.

Be extremely careful approaching active lava through vegetated older flows. Old pāhoehoe is more dangerous than ‘a‘ā.

Stay well back of benches and watch for any signs of instability.

Gases and SteamAvoid being downwind of vents and areas of degassing. Gases can cause severe breathing problems.Avoid getting close to the ocean near lava flows. Steam from waves splashing onto lava can scald. The waves themselves may be very hot.Small glassy particles may be carried in the air from either vent eruptions or lava entering the ocean.Burning forests, roads, and buildings produce toxic smoke. Avoid them.

Gases and SteamCarry gas masks.

Watch the wind and weather.

Avoid prolonged exposure to gases.

WeatherBad weather can settle in quickly making it easy to get lost and for hypothermia to set in.

If you have to cross active flows, heavy rain can produce scalding steam and obscure your vision.

Lightening can be very dangerous during certain storms.

WeatherCarry a compass and GPS. Make sure you have appropriate clothing and space blankets.

Check the satellite weather maps and predictions before starting out.

Use All Your Senses!

Vision

Sound

Feel

Smell

and don’t forget common sense!

Toxic Smoke from Burning

Lava Flows

Pāhoehoe Flows

April 1990

Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō Flow Field

Approaching Lava Flows

1984 Eruption