Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcanic Observatory concluded that a burst of volcanic activity on the Big Island could result in a series of powerful steam explosions. This will cause a bombardment of the surrounding area with 10 tonnes of molten rock boulders and the release of large amounts of ash. This is reported by Science Alert.
The eruption of the shield volcano Kilauea destroyed dozens of structures and led to the evacuation of 1,700 people when an underground magma flow burst to the surface in the residential area of Leilani Estates, 64 kilometers from the summit of the volcano. Geologists have found that the level of the lava lake located on Kilauea has dropped due to the downward movement of molten rocks. According to scientists, if the magma sinks to the water table, it will lead to an explosion. This will happen in the next few weeks, but the exact time of the disaster is unknown.
In this case, large rocky lumps weighing 10-12 tons will scatter up to one kilometer from the crater of the volcano. Those farther from Kilauea may be hit by smaller rocks, and the ash cloud will spread over 32 kilometers. However, the force of the explosions depends on the vapor pressure in the chambers formed by the collapse of rocks in the inner channels of the volcano.