Latest news with #U.S.GeologicalSurvey
Miami Herald
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Miami Herald
3.2 quake jolts Northern California, USGS says. ‘Little shake, rattle, and roll'
A 3.2-magnitude earthquake shook the Northern California area, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The more than 9-mile deep quake hit a little over half a mile south of Concord at 12:11 p.m. on Friday, May 30, according to the USGS. Nearly 1,000 people from as far away as Mountain View and San Jose reported feeling the tremor to the agency. 'A little shake, rattle, and roll with your lunch,' the city of Pleasant Hill, about 5 miles away from the quake, wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Well that ruined my lunch nap,' another X user wrote. Concord is about a 30-mile drive northeast from San Francisco. What to know about earthquakes Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale. Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people. Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they're most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security. If an earthquake strikes, it's best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts: If you're in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake. If you're in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow. If you're outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don't go inside. If you're inside: Stay and don't run outdoors. Stay away from doorways. The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. 'Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,' officials say. 'If you're using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.' Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it. 'There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,' officials say. 'Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.'
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center eyeing tropical wave as season nears, here's where
The official start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is just two days away and so far, the tropics are quiet. As of Friday, May 30, the National Hurricane Center is tracking one tropical wave moving into the Caribbean, but no tropical cyclone activity is expected for the next seven days. On the other side of Mexico, Tropical Storm Alvin, the first tropical storm in the Northern Hemisphere in the 2025 hurricane season, is sending swells to the coasts of west-central and southwestern Mexico and the southern Baja California Peninsula, but it expected to unravel quickly, the NHC said. 1st tropical storm of season: Tropical Storm Alvin forms in Pacific: See projected path, spaghetti models The 2025 Pacific hurricane season began on May 15, two weeks earlier than the Atlantic season, which officially begins Sunday, June 1. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its prediction for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on Thursday, May 22, predicting an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms and six to 10 hurricanes. The first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season will be Andrea. Here's the National Hurricane Center's daily outlook as of 6 a.m. on Friday, May 29. ➤ Track all active storms The National Hurricane Center said there are no tropical disturbances in the Atlantic basin and no tropical cyclone activity is expected during the next seven days. Forecasters are tracking one tropical wave: The axis of a tropical wave is near 68W south of 15N, southeast of Puerto Rico, moving westward at 15 to 20 kt. Limited convection is noted with this wave. The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. NOAA changed its naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico after the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name on U.S. maps per President Donald Trump's order. Forecasters urge all residents to keep an eye on the tropics and to always be prepared. ➤ Creating hurricane supplies kit important, but what if money is tight? Tips, resources to help NOAA is predicting there is a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance for a below-normal season. ➤ NOAA predicting above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. What can Florida expect? Forecasters predict: Named storms: 13-19 Hurricanes: 6-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 A major hurricane is a Category 3 storm or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. Tallahassee meteorologist Ryan Truchelut, who forecasts under WeatherTiger, is predicting landfall risks as near to slightly above normal this year due to closer-to-average sea temperatures in 2025. Truchelut looks more at impact than the Atlantic basin as a whole. So far, he's predicting 65% odds of an above normal season: Tropical storms: 16-20 Hurricanes: 7-9 Major hurricanes: 3-4 Tracking the storms: New study finds this company most accurate for hurricane predictions. Is it right? A tropical wave is a system of low pressure that moves westward across the tropics. Waves can lead to the formation of tropical cyclones, under the right conditions, according to the National Weather Service. The majority of tropical cyclones develop out of tropical waves, which also are called easterly waves, according to NOAA. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said 85% of all tropical storms can trace their origins to tropical waves. "If a tropical wave survives its journey westward, it will find increasingly warm waters and moist air as it approaches the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea," AccuWeather said. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30. Since 2003, there have been 15 tropical cyclones that have formed before June 1. Eleven of those storms formed in May. There have even been occasions when a tropical cyclone has formed in January. Here's a look back at a few of the early storms: Jan. 16-17, 2023: Unnamed subtropical storm. May 22-23, 2021: Tropical Storm Ana. May 16-19, 2020: Tropical Storm Arthur. May 27-28, 2020: Tropical Storm Bertha. May 20-21, 2019: Subtropical Storm Andrea. May 25-31, 2018: Tropical Storm Alberto. April 19-21, 2017: Tropical Storm Arlene. Jan. 12-15, 2016: Hurricane Alex May 27-June 4, 2016: Tropical Storm Bonnie May 8-11, 2015: Tropical Storm Ana. May 19-22, 2012: Tropical Storm Alberto. May 26-30, 2012: Tropical Storm Beryl. May 31-June 1, 2008: Tropical Storm Arthur. May 9-11, 2007: Subtropical Storm Andrea. April 20-24, 2003: Tropical Storm Ana. The first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Andrea. Since 2003, Andrea has appeared twice in May, including the last year the name appeared in 2019. May 9-11, 2007: Subtropical Storm Andrea May 20-21, 2019: Subtropical Storm Andrea The World Meteorological Committee maintains six lists of hurricane names in the Atlantic basin and separate lists for the Pacific basin. There are 21 names on each list. The six lists of names are used on a rotating basis, so names from the list used in 2025 will appear again in 2031, unless a name is retired. A nation hit hardest by a devastating storm can request its name be removed because use of the name again would be insensitive. Beryl, Helene and Milton were retired from the list used last year and were replaced with Brianna, Holly and Miguel. Tropical outlooks are issued every day by the National Hurricane Center from May 15 through Nov. 30. The outlooks come out at 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET. ➤ Where can I find Hurricane Center's tropical outlooks? ➤ Where will Hurricane Center issue advisories? A map highlights "significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for development during the next seven days," said Larry Kelly, hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, in an email. Contained in the outlook are the probabilities an area could develop into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours and seven days: A low probability of development ranges from 0-30% (designated in yellow) A medium probability of development ranges from 40-60% (designated in orange) A high probability of development ranges from 70-100% (designated in red) "The hatched areas on the graphic represent the potential formation area during the forecast period. It is important to note that it is not a forecast track and just a formation area," Kelly said. ➤ In a rush? 15 things you should know before 2025 hurricane season arrives "The tropical weather outlook provides forecasts on areas of disturbed weather that could develop into tropical cyclones," Kelly said. "It highlights the location, movement, and development potential of these systems over the next two to seven days. "This information is important for early preparation and awareness during hurricane season so you can be prepared for the hazards that systems can bring, including storm surge, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes and hazardous marine and beach conditions." Although many people search Google for an answer to the question "When is Florida hurricane season?" there actually is no such thing. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said, so storms can form before and after those dates. Tropical storms and hurricanes that develop in the Atlantic basin do impact the U.S., from the Gulf Coast and Florida north into Canada. The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. Predictions released as of May 13 predict an above-normal number of named tropical systems, ranging from: Named storms: 13-21 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 ➤ Florida is No. 1. That's not good when it comes to hurricane season predictions. See forecast Named storms: 14 Hurricanes: 7 Major hurricanes: 3 The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA said. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will provided tropical weather coverage daily until Nov. 30 to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 2025 hurricane season starts Sunday; NHC tracking tropical wave
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center has Tropical Storm Alvin forming in Pacific today; tracking tropical waves
A tropical depression in the Pacific is expected to become the first tropical storm in the Northern Hemisphere Thursday, May 29 for the 2025 hurricane season. If it does, it'll be called Alvin. But for once, it isn't Florida's problem. "Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts, the National Hurricane Center said in a morning update. "Some strengthening is expected during the next couple of days, and the depression is forecast to become a tropical storm later today." 1st tropical storm of season? Tropical Storm Alvin likely to form in Pacific: See projected path, spaghetti models The 2025 Pacific hurricane season began on May 15, two weeks earlier than the Atlantic season, which officially begins Sunday, June 1. Things are quieter off our coasts. The NHC has been tracking two tropical waves all week, one in the Atlantic approaching South America and one on the Caribbean extending southward toward Panama. Both continue to move west, but NHC forecasters don't expect any tropical cyclone activity over the next seven days. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its prediction for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on Thursday, May 22, predicting an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms and six to 10 hurricanes. The first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season will be Andrea. Here's the National Hurricane Center's daily outlook as of 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28. ➤ Track all active storms The National Hurricane Center said there are no tropical disturbances in the Atlantic basin and no tropical cyclone activity is expected during the next seven days. Forecasters are tracking two tropical waves: The first tropical wave is in the Atlantic Ocean, moving west at 12 to 17 mph and approaching Suriname in South America. The second tropical wave is moving across the central Caribbean, extending southward to central Panama, moving west at about 17 mph. The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. NOAA changed its naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico after the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name on U.S. maps per President Donald Trump's order. Forecasters urge all residents to keep an eye on the tropics and to always be prepared. ➤ Creating hurricane supplies kit important, but what if money is tight? Tips, resources to help NOAA is predicting there is a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance for a below-normal season. ➤ NOAA predicting above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. What can Florida expect? Forecasters predict: Named storms: 13-19 Hurricanes: 6-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 A major hurricane is a Category 3 storm or higher, with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph. Tallahassee meteorologist Ryan Truchelut, who forecasts under WeatherTiger, is predicting landfall risks as near to slightly above normal this year due to closer-to-average sea temperatures in 2025. Truchelut looks more at impact than the Atlantic basin as a whole. So far, he's predicting 65% odds of an above normal season: Tropical storms: 16-20 Hurricanes: 7-9 Major hurricanes: 3-4 A tropical wave is a system of low pressure that moves westward across the tropics. Waves can lead to the formation of tropical cyclones, under the right conditions, according to the National Weather Service. The majority of tropical cyclones develop out of tropical waves, which also are called easterly waves, according to NOAA. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said 85% of all tropical storms can trace their origins to tropical waves. "If a tropical wave survives its journey westward, it will find increasingly warm waters and moist air as it approaches the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea," AccuWeather said. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30. Since 2003, there have been 15 tropical cyclones that have formed before June 1. Eleven of those storms formed in May. There have even been occasions when a tropical cyclone has formed in January. Here's a look back at a few of the early storms: Jan. 16-17, 2023: Unnamed subtropical storm. May 22-23, 2021: Tropical Storm Ana. May 16-19, 2020: Tropical Storm Arthur. May 27-28, 2020: Tropical Storm Bertha. May 20-21, 2019: Subtropical Storm Andrea. May 25-31, 2018: Tropical Storm Alberto. April 19-21, 2017: Tropical Storm Arlene. Jan. 12-15, 2016: Hurricane Alex May 27-June 4, 2016: Tropical Storm Bonnie May 8-11, 2015: Tropical Storm Ana. May 19-22, 2012: Tropical Storm Alberto. May 26-30, 2012: Tropical Storm Beryl. May 31-June 1, 2008: Tropical Storm Arthur. May 9-11, 2007: Subtropical Storm Andrea. April 20-24, 2003: Tropical Storm Ana. The first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Andrea. Since 2003, Andrea has appeared twice in May, including the last year the name appeared in 2019. May 9-11, 2007: Subtropical Storm Andrea May 20-21, 2019: Subtropical Storm Andrea The World Meteorological Committee maintains six lists of hurricane names in the Atlantic basin and separate lists for the Pacific basin. There are 21 names on each list. The six lists of names are used on a rotating basis, so names from the list used in 2025 will appear again in 2031, unless a name is retired. A nation hit hardest by a devastating storm can request its name be removed because use of the name again would be insensitive. Beryl, Helene and Milton were retired from the list used last year and were replaced with Brianna, Holly and Miguel. Tropical outlooks are issued every day by the National Hurricane Center from May 15 through Nov. 30. The outlooks come out at 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. ET. ➤ Where can I find Hurricane Center's tropical outlooks? ➤ Where will Hurricane Center issue advisories? A map highlights "significant areas of disturbed weather and their potential for development during the next seven days," said Larry Kelly, hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, in an email. Contained in the outlook are the probabilities an area could develop into a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours and seven days: A low probability of development ranges from 0-30% (designated in yellow) A medium probability of development ranges from 40-60% (designated in orange) A high probability of development ranges from 70-100% (designated in red) "The hatched areas on the graphic represent the potential formation area during the forecast period. It is important to note that it is not a forecast track and just a formation area," Kelly said. ➤ In a rush? 15 things you should know before 2025 hurricane season arrives "The tropical weather outlook provides forecasts on areas of disturbed weather that could develop into tropical cyclones," Kelly said. "It highlights the location, movement, and development potential of these systems over the next two to seven days. "This information is important for early preparation and awareness during hurricane season so you can be prepared for the hazards that systems can bring, including storm surge, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes and hazardous marine and beach conditions." Although many people search Google for an answer to the question "When is Florida hurricane season?" there actually is no such thing. The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said, so storms can form before and after those dates. Tropical storms and hurricanes that develop in the Atlantic basin do impact the U.S., from the Gulf Coast and Florida north into Canada. The Atlantic basin consists of the northern Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America. Predictions released as of May 13 predict an above-normal number of named tropical systems, ranging from: Named storms: 13-21 Hurricanes: 7-10 Major hurricanes: 3-5 ➤ Florida is No. 1. That's not good when it comes to hurricane season predictions. See forecast Named storms: 14 Hurricanes: 7 Major hurricanes: 3 The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA said. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will provided tropical weather coverage daily until Nov. 30 to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: National Hurricane Center tracking waves in Atlantic, Caribbean
The Market Online
2 days ago
- Business
- The Market Online
Graphite One: Building North America's premier graphite supply chain
In the first two articles of this series, we explored the essential nature of graphite—its role in powering electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and high-tech manufacturing—and examined its strategic importance to national security and military readiness. Now, we turn our attention to a company at the forefront of addressing North America's graphite dependency: Graphite One Inc. (TSXV:GPH). A strategic asset in Alaska: The Graphite Creek Project Graphite One's flagship initiative, the Graphite Creek Project, is located on the Seward Peninsula in Alaska, approximately 60 kilometers north of Nome. Recognized by the U.S. Geological Survey as the largest known flake graphite deposit in the United States, Graphite Creek is now considered among the largest in the world. Recent updates from the company reveal a dramatic expansion in the project's scope. The 2025 feasibility study, completed 15 months ahead of schedule with support from the U.S. Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act Title III, shows a 317 per cent increase in proven and probable reserves and a 322 per cent increase in measured and indicated resources compared to the 2022 Pre-Feasibility Study. Vertical integration: From mine to battery-grade material Graphite One's vision extends far beyond mining. The company is executing a fully integrated supply chain strategy—from raw graphite extraction at Graphite Creek to the production of anode active material at a planned secondary treatment plant in Ohio. This vertical integration is critical. The U.S. currently imports 100 per cent of its natural graphite, a vulnerability in the face of rising demand for lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles. By producing battery-grade graphite domestically, Graphite One aims to eliminate a key supply chain bottleneck and support the U.S. transition to clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Milestones and momentum Graphite One has achieved several key milestones in 2025: Feasibility study completion : Validated a 20-year mine life with a projected annual output of 175,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate. : Validated a 20-year mine life with a projected annual output of 175,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate. Federal support : Received funding and strategic backing from the Department of Defense. : Received funding and strategic backing from the Department of Defense. Permitting phase : Entered permitting with strong momentum, supported by a recent Executive Order prioritizing domestic mineral production. : Entered permitting with strong momentum, supported by a recent Executive Order prioritizing domestic mineral production. Economic viability: The feasibility study projects a pre-tax NPV of $6.4 billion and a 30 per cent internal rate of return, with commercial anode active material production expected by 2028. Economic and ESG impact Graphite One's project is in a position to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits: Job creation : The project will generate high-quality jobs in Alaska and Ohio, supporting local economies and Indigenous communities. : The project will generate high-quality jobs in Alaska and Ohio, supporting local economies and Indigenous communities. Environmental stewardship : The company is committed to responsible development, with environmental planning integrated into every phase. : The company is committed to responsible development, with environmental planning integrated into every phase. Community engagement: Graphite One is working closely with local stakeholders to ensure long-term, shared value. A pillar of U.S. mineral independence In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical competition and technological transformation, Graphite One's project is more than a business venture—it's a strategic imperative. As the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on foreign critical minerals, particularly from China, Graphite One offers a homegrown solution that aligns with national priorities in energy security, defense, and green technology leadership. Investor's corner As we've explored in this series, graphite is not just a material—it's a cornerstone of the 21st-century economy. From its indispensable role in batteries and electronics to its strategic value in defense, the case for domestic graphite production is clear. Graphite One Inc. stands at the nexus of this opportunity. With a world-class deposit, a vertically integrated strategy, strong government support, and a compelling economic profile, the company is uniquely positioned to lead North America's graphite renaissance. For investors seeking exposure to the future of energy, technology, and national resilience, Graphite One deserves a closer look. We encourage you to deepen your due diligence, revisit the earlier articles in this series, and consider how this emerging leader fits into your long-term investment strategy. Join the discussion: Find out what investors are saying about this stock on the Graphite One Inc. Bullboards and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. This is sponsored content issued on behalf of Graphite One Inc., please see full disclaimer here.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Watch mesmerizing 1,000-foot-tall lava fountains: Kilauea volcano erupting in ways not seen for 40 years
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has been erupting with gigantic fountains of lava, the likes of which haven't been seen in around 40 years. On Sunday (May 25), some of these lava fountains shot up more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) into the sky. Scientists estimated that while this was going on, the volcano was also emitting up to around 83,000 tons (75,000 metric tons) of toxic sulphur dioxide per day, according to an update on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website. The ongoing eruption in the Halema'uma'u crater has been on pause since the dramatic scenes on Sunday, though magma remains close to the surface and the volcano continues to emit sulfur dioxide. The latest fountain activity marked the 23rd episode of Halema'uma'u crater's eruption cycle that began on Dec. 23, 2024. Kilauea has been producing fountains of lava in waves that last anywhere from a few hours to over a week since the start of this eruption. In a volcano update on Tuesday (May 27), USGS representatives compared the ongoing activity to that of the historical Pu'u'ō'ō eruption on the eastern rift zone of Kilauea. The Pu'u'ō'ō eruption began in 1983 and didn't stop until 2018, but the early years were marked by high lava fountains, similar to those currently produced in the Halema'uma'u crater. "The current eruption has been characterized by episodic fountaining not seen in any eruptions since the 1983-86 episodic fountains at the beginning of the Pu'u'ō'ō eruption," USGS representatives wrote. Related: Heavy dusting of 'pineapple powder' paints Hawaii's volcanoes white after near-record snowfall — Earth from space Kilauea volcano is one of the world's most active volcanoes and has erupted almost continuously on Hawaii's Big Island for more than 30 years. The volcano makes up about 14% of the island's land area and rises 4,190 feet (1,227 m) above sea level. Halema'uma'u crater is at the summit of the volcano and is said to be the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes. The Halema'uma'u eruption is taking place in a closed part of Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park. However, while the eruption itself is confined to the park, the gases it emits can travel beyond the park's limits. "High levels of volcanic gas—primarily water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—are the primary hazard of concern, as this hazard can have far-reaching effects downwind," USGS representatives wrote. The sulfur dioxide released from the volcano can mix with other gases and particles in the atmosphere to create a haze called volcanic smog (vog). Inhaling vog at high concentrations may cause respiratory problems and other health issues such as eye and skin irritation, according to USGS. RELATED STORIES —Mystery of Bolivian 'zombie' volcano finally solved —'River of fire' unleashes toxic gases as eruption destroys town in La Palma — Earth from space —'It was amazing': Scientists discover ash from 2 mystery volcanic eruptions in Wyoming There are a variety of other hazards associated with the ongoing volcanic activity, including strands of windblown volcanic glass. These hair-like strands, named Pele's hair after the Hawaiian goddess, form when gas bubbles within lava burst at the surface, and their skin stretches into long threads. These strands are currently spread across the Kilauea summit. The extent to which they move depends on lava fountaining and wind conditions, but the USGS warned that they pose a threat to human health. "Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to Pele's hair and other volcanic fragments, which can cause skin and eye irritation," USGS representatives wrote. USGS offers views of the Kilauea summit through live webcams. These video feeds capture recordings of places that are off limits to the general public because they're unsafe to visit.
