License Photo

Eruption of Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano Triggers Evacuations

View taken on May 20, 2018, of the lava flow reaching the ocean. Hot lava entering the sea creates a dense white plume called "laze" (short for "lava haze"). Laze forms as hot lava boils seawater to dryness. The process leads to a series of chemical reactions that result in the formation of a billowing white cloud composed of a mixture of condensed seawater steam, hydrochloric acid gas, and tiny shards of volcanic glass. This mixture has the stinging and corrosive properties of dilute battery acid. Because laze can be blown downwind, its corrosive effects can extend far beyond the actual ocean entry area. Photo by USGS/UPI

Please fill out form for pricing information for the photo below.