Vog and Laze Seminar 29 July1991
Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes University of Hawaii at Hio Hilo, Hawaii 96720-409 1
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Seminar on Vog and Laze 29 July 1991 Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes University of Hawaii at Hilo
Morning Program
9:00
How Vog is Made: A Photographic Perspective; J.B. Stokes; U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
9:30
ljteQegassing of a Hawaiian Volcano; Terrence Gerlach; U.S. Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory
10:00
Atmospheric Circulation of Hawaiian Volcanic Gases; Elmer Robinson; Mauna Loa Observatory National :Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration -
10:30
(Short coffee break)
10:45
Mercury, Sulfate and Acid Rains Around Kilauea Volcano, and Their Impact on Vegetation; B. Z. Siegel and Marlene Nachbar-Hapai; University of Hawaii at Manoa and University of Hawaii at Hilo
11:15
Lead Contamination in Water Cisterns on the Island of Hawaii; Bruce Anderson and David Higa; State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch
11:45
Effects of Hawaiian Volcanic Gases on Human Health: An Overview; James W. Morrow; American Lung Association
12:15
(Lunch break. Campus cafeteria will be open for seminar participants.)
Afternoon Program
1:30
Hawaii Vog Authority; Amy Hamane; Hawaii County Council
1:45
Generation of Hydrochloric Acid by the Interaction of Seawater and Molten Lava: The Making of LAZE; Terrence Gerlach; U.S. Geological Survey, Cascades-Volcano Observatory; J. L. Krumhansl, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque; K. Hon and D. Yager, U.S. Geological Survey, Denvet~ A. Truesdell, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park; 3. Morrow, American Lung Association of Hawaii; R. L. Chuan, Femtometrics, Costa Mesa; R.• W. Decker, Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes
2:00
Recent Advancements in Spectroscopic Techniques for Remote in-situ 4onitorIng of Gaseous Species in Volcanic Fog and Volcanic Plumes; Shiv K. Sharma and Christian L. Schoen; University of Hawaii at Manoa
2:15
Volcanic Effects on the Elemental Composition of Inhalable Particulates in Hilo and Captain Cook; James W.Morrow; American Lung Association
2:30
Lava-Seawater Interactions and the Resultant Steam Plume at Wahaula, Hawaii; J. A. Resing and F. 3. Sansone, University of Hawaii at Manoa
2:45
Atmospheric Geochemistry at Windward and Leeward Locations on the Island of Hawaii During the Early Eruptive Phases of Puu Oo; Joseph Halbig; University of Hawaii at Hilo, and Walter M. Barnard, State University of New York College at Fredonia, NY
3:00
(Short coffee break)
3:15
Contributions of the Hawaiian Rainband Project to Understanding Island Air Flow Patterns and Variability; Thomas A. Schroeder; University of Hawaii at Manoa
3:30
Volcanic Haze--Physicochemistry and Transport; Antony D. Clark and John N. Porter; University of Hawaii at Manoa
3:45
The Atmospheric Fate of Sulfur Gases from Kilauea Volcano; James W. Morrow; American Lung Association
4:00
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Ambient Mr Quality Monitoring Station: A View From the Field; Tamar Elias; Mauka Environmental Monitoring
4:15
Visitors’ Delight and Managers’ Dilemma: Providing Access to Kupaianaba Lava Flows in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; Dan Taylor; Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
4.
4:30
Respiratory Effects to Man by Volcanic Eruption in Hawaii; Carl P. Hallenborg; John A. Burns School of Medicine
4:45
General Discussion
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Additional Abstracts
The Production of Hydrochloric Acid Aerosol from the Eruption of Kilauea Volcano; R. L. Chuan; Femtometrics, Costa Mesa, California -
Sources of SuIftir in Volcanic Haze: Preliminary Report of Isotopic Results; T. J. Casade vaIl and R. 0. Rye, U. S. Geological Survey, and J. W. Morrow, American Lung Associa tion
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HOW VOG IS MADE: A PHOTOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE
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J. B. Stokes
U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory P.O. Box 51, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 The principle mission of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory~(RVO) is to understand how Hawaiian volcanoes work, and evaluate the hazards posed by• volcanic eruptions and their associated effects. As a part of this goal, HVO has accumulated nearly a decade of geochemical information about Kilauea from extensive -monitoring of both the chemistry and total amounts of gases emitted from vents of the ongoing eruption on Kilauea’s east rift zone. Since the eruption began, lava has destroyed over 180 homes, a National Park Visitor Center, hundreds of vacant houselots, and 2.5 miles of paved roads, waterlines, and utility lines. In all, the lava has covered 29 square miles, causing at least $20 million in damage, not including the loss of some invaluable historical artifacts and sites. These tangible effects tend to obscure another urgent problem stemming from the eruption: the effects •on human health of volcanic smog (“Vog”), originating from volcanic vents, and its companion, lava haze (“Laze”), produced when lava enters the ocean. The prevailing winds from the northeast usually carry the Vog toward the southwest, around the southern tip of the island where frictional forces cause it to turn northward into a convergence behind Mauna Loa, where they are effectively capped by trade winds or inversion layers. During kona wind conditions, when wind blows• from the southwest to the northeast, the vog impacts population centers on the eastern side of the island, including Hilo. This photographic introduction to how Vog is made will review a short history of the eruption, and how volcanic air pollution continues to be an ongoing concern for Hawaii island residents, who are impacted by two chemically distinct natural sources of air pollutants generated by the current eruption.
The Degassing of a Hawaiian Volcano Terrence Gerlach US Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory 5400 MacArthur Blvd Vancouver WA 98661
1’2~o..:,
Our understanding of gas emissions from Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii is more comprehensive than for other subaeriai volcanoes. In the eighties, sufficient data became av~lable to constrain a complete budget for the gases of Kilauea in terms of influx from mantle sources at depth, storage within the subsurface magma reservoir system of Kilauea, and emission by eruptive and non-eruptive degassing. The picture thai emerges for Kilauea providelinsights for understanding and predicting gas emissions from other Hawaiian volcanoes, especially Mauna L.oa Volcano, as well as other “hot spot” volcanic systems (e.g., Reunion Island). The intention of this presentation is to give a general overview of the Kilauea gas budget emphasizing emission chemistry, abundances, and degassing rates during eruptive and non-eruptive states of the volcano. The main topics to be stressed will include the following: (a) the one-stage gas emission process that dominated the degassing of Kilauea during the previous century; (b) the more complex two-stage emission process that has dominated degassing at Kilauea since 1924; (c) the three chemically distinct gas compositions that account for nearly all volatile emissions from Kilauca; and (d) the different degassing behavior of various gas species, leading to continuous emissions for some species and episodic emissions for others. Comparisons with human agents of pollution will be made, time permitting. ~~r7 ~
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ATMOSPHERIC CIRCULATION OF HAWAIIAN VOLCANIC GASES -
Elmer Robinson Mauna Loa Observatory Hilo, Hawaii
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NOAA
Abstract This report describes both the large scale and local wind patterns which affect the Island of Hawaii (i.e. The Big Island) standpoint ‘Bi
the
distribution
of
Kilauea
eruption
from the
effluents.
Large scale winds are part of the global trade wind regime.
Along
with the wind patterns, the verticat mixing of the effluents is important,
ormore ex~actly the
Hawaii—KOna area, nature
of
the
lack of vertical mixing
in the
Here the vertical mixing is dependent on the
subtropical
temperature
inversion
which
is
a
persistent feature of the meteorology of this part of the world. A third factor affecting the Kilauea effluent distribution is the terrain itself and the resultant interaction between the terrain, the temperature inversion, and the trade wind pattern.
Considering
these several factors together leads to a logical explanation of why Kilauea effluents can affect the Kona side of Hawaii without passing over the summit of Mauna Loa but rather by moving around the
south end of the island and then northerly along the Kona
coast.
Complex lee eddy flow patterns accomplish this transport
and cause the Kilauea effluents to impact the Kona coast.
To be presented to:
Seminar on VOG and LAZE University of Hawaii at Hilo July 29, 1991
MERCURY, SULFATE AND ACIDS RAINS AROUND KILEAUEA VOLCANO AND THEIR It~PAC~ ~ VEGE’rATnq B. Z. Siegel and Marlene Hachbar—Hapai. ~wironmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI. 96822, and Natural Sciences Division, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI. 96720. -
Thousands Ô~ hectares of rich and diverse tropical forest and a wide range of agricultural crops flourish in and around .Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This biologifal lushness exists eventhough mercury leveJ..p have reached 200+ ug/m in the air (EPA recommended level is 1 ug/m3) and thç pH of the rain in th& area averages around pH 3.2 downwind along the Southwest Rift and approximately pH 3.7 upwind at the Park Service Visitors Center. The impact of mercury on vegetation apparently is ameliorated by selenium and sulfur both of which are also volcanic emissions; data of the nolar ratios will be presented. A study of Usnea, a common lichen in the area indicated that photosynthesis, a parameter indicating the “health” of the vegetation, was only partially effected by pH per se, and that the anion played a major role as well. Using rain samples collected binonthly over a four year period, correlations between the anount of rainfall and pH were not detected. Furthernore a significant discripancy between sulfate and pH, especially in upwind samples, has raised a question regarding the proton donors. In individual samples the measured 504 content could not account for the pH, even if it was assumed to be 100% H2S04. In sane concurrent measurements where the mean pH at upwind ana downwind stations are within 4% of one another, there is nore than a 7—fold greater SO4 content in the rain from the downwind Soutwest Rift site. However, of the 52 Southwest Rift samples, close agreement between sulfate and pH was found in only 16%. In extreme case, for example, a class (samples with pH 2.4—2.8) of rain water which a had a mean pH of 2.6, had a mean sulfate content of only 19 mg/L (about 0.2ntl), which accounts only for about 10% of the H—ions present. T~ alternatives to sulfur acids which might account for the detected low pH values are HC1 and strong organic acids (eg. formic)~ from natural organic decay. The role played by these low pHs, the anions involved, and the presence of volatile metals on vegetation is also discussed.
Presented to:
Fourth International Conference on Water Cistern Systems, August 2—4, 1989. Makati Metro, Philippines.
State of Hawaii Department of Health Environmental Management Division Safe Drinking Water Branch -
ABSTRACT The State of Hawaii Department of Health has taken over 2000 water samples for lead from water cisterns on the Island of Hawaii. Lead concentrations ranged from less than the level of detection (5 ug/l) to over 3,300 ug/l. Altogether, about 24% (544 samples) of the water samples collected exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for public water systems of 20 ug/l; 11% of the cisterns exceeded the current MCL of 50 ug/l. The highest percentage of systems with lead levels above the MCL was found in West Hawaii where about 23% of the water systems ~ sampled exceeded the 50 ug/l standard. Acid rain resulting from volcanic emissions is believed to cause the leaching of leaded building materials, such as solder, nails, flashing, and leaded coatings all of which may contribute to elevated lead levels in cistern water. Leaded paints used on roofs and to coat the inside of wooden tanks is responsible for the higher concentrations of lead in cisterns. However, the exact contribution of the various sources of lead in cisterns is not known. Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control are assisting the Department of Health in studying the relationship of lead in drinking water to lead in blood. Preliminary results indicate that overall, there is a clear ~ relationsip between high levels of lead in cistern water and high levels of lead in blood.
EFFECTS OF HAWAIIAN VOLCANIC GASES ON HUMAN HEALTH: AN OVERVIEW 4. W. Morrow The eruptions of Kilauea Volcano are accompanied by increased emissions of a number of gaseous compounds, some of which are potentially hazardous to human health. These in clude H20, C02., S02, Hz CU, HG, HF, and Hg. The first three normally comprise well over 90% of the gaseous emissions on a mole-percent basis. As with any “toxic” substance, the actual hazard associated with these gases is a function of the inherent toxicity of the gas itself, natute of exposure, and effective dose. This overview will briefly address the aforementiOned gases in light of these factors. -
H20, CO~, CU, ‘dhd H2 can all be dismissed as significant factors in human health either be cause of their inherently low toxicity, low concentration in volcanic emissions, or both. Only indirectly through their contributions to the “greenhouse’ effect might the first three be considered of some significance. S02 and its reaction products pr’esent the greatest potential for adverse health effects. Emissions which average 1000 2000 T/da, but which have reached the equivalent of 32,000 T/da, are capable of producing ambient 502 concentrations in excess of public health stand ards. Its ultimate conversion in the atmosphere to a secondary acid aerosol further mag nifies and complicates the potential adverse health effects. S02 and its acidic reaction products are irritants with demonstrated adverse effects on the respiratory system. The odorous H2S is also a highly toxic gas, but its relatively low emission rate renders it much less important than SO2; furthermore, it is eventually oxidized and follows 502 pathways. -
HC1 and HF emissions from volcanic vents, while very low relative to 502, also contribute to the acidic nature of the atmosphere downwind of the volcano. Both are strong irritants capable of causing lung injury. In addition, molten lava flowing into the ocean generates very high HCI concentrations (> USHA standards), thus creating a localized hazard. Limited air sampling data suggest elevated Hg levels in Hawaii as compared to non-vol canic areas, but a long-term record, particularly of elemental and organic Hg, is lacking. Hg is of concern because of its cumulative nature and adverse affects on the brain and central nervous system. There are significant spatial and temporal differences in volcanic gas concentrations due to source, terrain and meteorological factors. As a result, full-time employees at the volcano, emergency services personnel, general public residents of the island, and visiting-toqØsts all have different levels of exposure. In addition to these exposure differences, the effeètive dose received by an individual is largely a function of that individual’s personal characteris tics and health status as well as the physical/chemical characteristics of each gas or gas product. Additional research efforts are needed to better document the human health hazards associated with Hawaiian volcanic gases. 7/5/91
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‘lie cc-going erupticri of E~i 1 ~ Volcat F~ crasted a~ in~nts within !heii Cr~rty. Ccxr~ns expr~ akut -~Me effects ci ~lth, agxiniltze, a catdmt systa~, cattle, aqiauJ.ture, etc. • prcnçted Ib,ail Cazity Canil Q~airnw, Ra~1l Kcdculni, Caxril~.aiai Itrie Lai a~l GxrciJnw F~rry Rtxkile to establith the I~aii Vc.€ AutFcrity (HVA) in ..~iiery of 19X). ,-
The gce].s of tie HVA are to gather inforimticc, deteruthe tat needs to be dae, prqr~ 1 laticri to ‘appropriate &diee, aix] develop reccmisxlatiais. ‘lie Vog Autlority provides a airh need~ forun for tie ~iaring of infornatici awl c~rdinating efforts. -
Caincil Qtr~ Russell Kdoicwi ~rves as Giaixna~ of tie Vc€ kitlcrity. ttthers repr~it ccaemed goverrmit agexi~, ptivate orgatzaticns, aid expert r~irce irthvithnis. Vog Autlority Fbthers:
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1*. Rt~il S. Kdojbim, Cazcil Geiruen Miss ?‘trle Lai, Onci1 Vice-Qeirwmi it. Ibrry Riddle, Cnzci]nm Mr. I~rr~ Kim, Civil lèfa~ MffiniEtrator Dr. Sauzel R±ei, District }~1th Muinistrator, lè~eitat of I~alth !~. Rc~1irwl Ithi~a, District (Ifice lager, Ièpertnuit of Agricultire ft. Ikigo Ikmtzinger, Sipermntadaut, Tb€il Volcaxes ibticel Park Mr. ~ny Strikes, Thysical &.iace TecIuiciaa, -}bei.i Volcat (tservatory, tRS Mrs. Muy Hamne, )nericai lung A~ciatiai, Mninistrator Vs. Aim Nies, ~t Ibail Progran Assistant, Autrican lung Asaxiatiak Dr. Fred 1bls±.t, Prasi~t, l~ieii Camty ?~dicaJ. Scciety Dr. Jeck Fujii, l~i, Ui lb Coilege of Agriculture
F.~xurce F~ovle: Mrs. Rc~1ini Silver, Katha-Kcia Mr. Pail Aid, Chief • Qeai Air frath, I~nrtrit of HeaJ.th Dr. Talathi Higaki, Cony Director, UI at t~hira, College of 1I~opical Agriculture Dr. Ray Qn~, Atnruspberic &ia~itist, Fautatetrics Mr. Jaies !trrcw, Director of &uvixne~tal F~lth, ~dcan limg Assixiaticu Mr. Robert ‘Utnas, U.S. k~t)er &irasu The Wig Authority’s first ta~c i~ to revia recaiuwdatiais nale by tie Carter for Di~ Caitrol in 1~4 aid to determine appropriate applicaticn. Prcigr~ in inçlaiwting applicable recamEndaticas isrkde tie coUattm of aii~ny r~n data fran Big Islaxi trepitals, the developinit aid inplsiaitatiai of ~°rin1 air ~ip1ing ad analysts wograls, aid tie collatiat of clinetological data fran tie U.S. ~~tle Baa. Rirtlnnae, for sfety of govenmEit auploy~ i.vrldng in di~ter dL~~ HVA 1~ ala axight input fran Dr. ‘lèrmte Gerithi, Gas (~cleuist, t~vid A. J&mstai ~zaIes Volcat (Iservatory, 1B~. ‘lie HVA raxzgrd.zee the need for nae res~rch ax! anlysis, ax! tlerefore has alv~tel ~ Stats legislaticri to funi tie cciitimsticn -of s~ri s~1 air ~npIing ~.q~iaio. Addidazily, awr~t efforts are directed to deve]qthig alviary raninmiatias awl giriñelines regarding I~lth in~ts of vog for cti~nievd-im to residaits, visitors and jeraxts causi.daing reinzatiai to the Big IsIaid.
Generation of Hydrochloric Add by the Interaction of Seawater and Molten lava: The Making of LAZE T.M. Gerlach, US Geological Survey, Cascades Volcano Observatory, 5400 MacArthur Blvd. Vancouver WA 98661 J.L. Icrumhansl, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque NM 87185 K Hon and D. Yager, US Geological Survey, Box 25046, DFC, MS 903, Denver CO 80225 A. Truesdell, US Geological Survey, 345 Middlefleld Road, MS 910, Menlo Park CA 94025 J. Morrow, American Lung Association of Hawaii, 245 North Kukui St, Honolulu HI 96817 R.L. Chuan, Fqrntometrics, Costa Mesa CA 92626 R.W. Decker, Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes, University of Hawaii at Hio, Hio HI 96720
Continuous eruption on the east rift zone of Kilauea Volcano since July 1986 has established a subsurface lava tube system that permits frequent lava entries into the ocean along the southeast coast of Hawaii. The flows produce spectacular steam explosions and a large plume cloud containing extremely add condensate that gives rise to acid rains and air pollution known locally as LAZE. Analyses of plume rain indicate it is an add brine with a salinity about 23 times that of seawater and a pH ranging from 1.5 to 2. The concentrations of major elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl, Br, 5) are enriched 2 to 2.5 times over their concentrations in seawater, although their relative proportions are indistinguishable from what they are in seawater. Earlier speculations that the acid rain originated from SOz and HCI emitted by the lavas are implausible because of the degassed nature of the lavas reaching the ocean. Gerlach et al. (1989) proposed that the add is derived from HCI gas formed by reaction of high temperature steam with magnesium chloride salts that precipitate when molten lava evaporates seawater to dryness. Irreversible mass transfer calculations predict that the evaporation of 1 liter of seawater to dryness at temperatures of 100-300°C will produce a liter of hydrochloric add condensate with a pH of 1. The dissolution of this acid in brine droplets formed by the ejection of boiling seawater into the atmosphere produces the observed add rain with a slightly higher pH resulting from dilution and reactions with lava fragments. More recent chemical studies of plume cloud condensate and rain continue to support the magnesium chloride hydrolysis model. Laboratory experiments on magnesium chloride brines and field experiments on molten lava in active flows with seawater, salt water, and distilled water also provide confirmation of the modeL Fmaliy, optical, x-ray diffraction, SEM/EDX and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopic measurements provide evidence of MgO and Mg(OH)2 crystals on the surfaces of lavas reacted with seawater, as predicted by the model.
Gerlach, T.M., Krumhansl, J.L., Fournier, R.O., Kjargaard, 3., EOS Tram,. 70,1421-1422,1989.
Recent Advanc.m.nts In Sp•ctroscopic Techniques for Remote in-situ Monitoring of of Gaseous Species In Volcanic Fog and Volcanic Plumes Shiv K. Sharma and Christian L. Schoeh Hawaii Institute of Geophysics School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI 96822 -
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Abstract There is a growing awareness of the environmental problems concerning mankind. Human-induced stratospheric changes In the atmosphere due to geophysical research Is just one of the many reasons a~mosphere monitoring is a necessary technique. In recent years, technological ‘ábvancements in micro-electronics, optical multichannel detectors, lasers, optical fibers and spectrometers have made it feasible to develop new field monitoring spectroscopy instruments for remote in situ measurements of emission rates of various gaseous species (e.g. H2, H20, C02, and trace species) in air. In this paper the authors will briefly review Ihese new spectroscopic techniques. A new tesign of a pulsed laser Reman spectroscope by Light Detection and Rangin,g (lidar) will be presented for remotely measuring two or more gaseous species simultaneously in real time In volcanic plumes, volcanic fog, and volcanic haze, caused by the interaction of molten lava with seawater. The pulsed laser Raman Lidar willalso be useful for monitoring air pollution in general. Lidar provides a powerful means in which to detect atmospheric compositions. Lidar consists of four different measurement techniques; fluorescence lidar, Raman scattering lidar, Mie scattering lidar, and differential absorption iidar (DIAL). In lidar, a laser pulse is transmitted into the atmosphere and backscaltered radiation is detected as a function of time by an optical receiver, in a radar-like fashion. In the case of fluorescence lidar, a laser is tuned to the absorption band of the species to be measured while a spectrometer is used to detect the backscattered fluorescence. Raman Ildar is the same as fluorescence, but allows for a much greater variability in laser pump wavelength since the laser need not be tuned to a specific absorption wavelength. Initially it suffered from a weaker signal than fluorescence lidar, current advances in detection capabilities have pushed Raman lidar as the method of choice for monitoring gas concentrations, water vapor profiles up to kilometers in height, and atmospheric N2 at heights of lens of kilometers. Mie scattering from particles provides strong signals allowing mapping of the relative distribution of particles over large areas. Stratospheric dust from volcanic eruptions have been studied using Mie scattering lidar. Another significant method of lidar Is DIAL. DIAL uses laser-light that is alternately transmitted from an absorbing wavelength to a non-absorbing (off-resonant) wavelength of the gas to be measured. By dividing tfle two signals, the concentration of the pollutant is measured to great accuracy since many of the undesired atmospheric induced parameters are eliminated. The DIAL technique is operational for detectIng such gaseous species as ~ N02, and 03.
VOLCANIC EFFE~S ON THE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF INHALABLE PARTICUL4TES IN HILO AND CAPTAIN COOK J.W.Morrow While numerous studies of gaseous emissions from Hawaiian volcanoes have been con ducted, somewhat fewer efforts have been directed at characterizing its particulate eniis sions. The mass of H20, C02, S02 and other gases is so great compared to the particulate loading, it is not surprising that they have been the primary focus of investigations. Never theless, knowledge of the particulate composition is important not just from an academic standpoint.but also to better understand geochemical processes, atmospheric chemistry and potential human health effects associated with volcanism in Hawaii. The volcanic hair; or’\’og” as it is called locally, has been a source of concern to local resi dents, particularly in West Hawaii, for many years. This concern has intensified, along with the “vog” itself, since the ongoing Kilauea eruption commenced in January 1983. It is our hypothesis that “vog” is an aerosol composed of primary and secondary particulate matter. Historical Department of Health (DOH) air monitoring data, however, do not seem to sup port this particulate nature of “vog.” Routine total suspended particulate (TSP) monitoring conducted at Hilo during the~1972 1985 period averaged only 14 ug/m3 and the highest 24hr concentration of 169 ug/m was still well under the 24-hr primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 260 uglm3. A special study conducted by the DOH over the June 1985 August 1986 period at Kealakekua also averaged 14 ugfm3 with a 24-hr maxi mum of 28 uglm3. In the case of Hio, we attribute the failure to detect high TSP levels to (1) its generally upwind location (2) the infrequent sampling (once every 6 days), and (3) the inadequacy of the TSP sampling method to detect changes in fine particulate matter. At Kealakekua we attributed the findings to (2) and (3) above as well as dispersion due to distance from the source. -
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In order to begin testing this hypothesis, we conducted air sampling at Hilo and Captain Cook during the July 1989 June 1990 period. A PMio sampler was installed at each loca tion and programmed to collect day (0700-1900 HS’T) and night (1900-0700 HST) samples. Samples were analyzed by XRF and ion chromatography. Wind data were collected onsite at Captain Cook and obtained from the National Weather Service for Keahole and Hilo Airports. -
Results revealed low PMio levels relative to the current NAAQS. With the exception of S and Cl, all other elements were essentially at trace levels. Sulfur was the predominnnt ele ment at Captain Cook, while Cl dominated at Hilo. Crustal elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ca, and K) were the next most abundant. Fossil-fuel related elements (Ni, V, and Pb) were significant ly (p
LAVA-SEAWATER INTERACTIONS AND THE RESULTANT STEAM PLUME AT WAIIAULA, ILkWAU J. A. Resing and F. J. Sansone Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822; (808) 956-8370 Chemical, physical; and visual observations were made of lava entering the ocean near Wahaula Heiau. The site under study included the coastal ocean and the nearshore littoral environment. Physical and chemical interactionsof molten lava with seawater are major contributors to the formation of laze. The physical processes that contribute to laze production include explosive events, the formation of steam, the precipitation of this steam, and highly elevated ocean temperatures. The important chemical processes include water/lava and water/hot-rock reactions that cause the formation of acid and which produce aerosol particles that are entrained in the steam. -
Land- and”ocean-based samples were taken at this site to determine the chemical and physical effects on the nearshore environment. Precipitation samples collected on land had pH value of —1.7, with salinities nearly twice that of the local seawater. These samples also showed depletions in magnesium and enrichments in calcium when normalized to chlorinity Tide pool seawater samples showed similar trends. Coastal ocean samples showed depletions in alkalihity, total C02, and pH, each showing a strong inverse correlation with increase in ~water temperature. Temperatures in excess of 70°C were measured in the coastal ocean. Ongoing sampling of the steam plume is currently being conducted. The goal of this research is to determine chemical mass balances for the lava/seawater/buoyant-plume/nonbuoyant-plume system.
ATMOSPHERIC GEOCHEMISTRY AT WINDWARD AND LEEWARD LOCATIONS ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII DURING THE EARLY ERUPTWE PHASES OF PUT) 00 Joseph B. Halbig, Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes, University of Ha~waii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720—4091 Walther M. Barnard, Department of Geosciences, State University of New York College at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY 14063
A study funded ~by the State of Hawaii, Department of Business and Economic Development, was conducted in 1983 and early 1984 to characterize the atmospheric geochemistry at windward (Panaewa) and leeward (Kawaihae) locations on the Island of Hawaii. A variety of data was collected on air and rainwater chemistry and on meteorological conditions; this pap~-r particularly addresses the results of chemical determinations of the acidic components (with emphasis on sulfate ion) in air and rainwater samples. Kawaihae rainwater samples ranged in pH from 4.4 to 5.7, with a median value of 5.0 (N=14), whereas Panaewa samples exhibited a range of 4.0 to 5.2, with a median value of 4.8 (N=22). Median total sulfate concentrations were 0.88 and 1.4 mg/L, respectively. The windward Pawaewa site showed, in general, higher sulfate concentrations as well as the greatest range in concentrations. These results tend to infer that the chief control on sulfate in rainwater is from a mechanism such as long—range transport in the mid—troposphere, rather than due to local sources. There was no strong correlation between pH and amount of rainfall; a plot of pH versus log rainfall gave scattered results, probably due in part to the fact that rainfall both scavenges and dilutes, two antithetic processes. High volume air samples were taken at each site approximately every eighth day, and were similarly analyzed for acidic components by ion chromatography techniques. The amount of sulfate in excess (xsSO4) of that derived from the ocean (OD) was calculated assuming that all sodium was of seasalt ori~in. At Kawaihae the mean total sulfate concentration was 2.1 ug/m (N=20) with xsSO4 = 1.4 ug/m3, and at Panaewa the respective values were 1.1 (N=26) and 0.52 ug/m3. The calculated ratios of xsSO4:S04(oD) are 2.05:1 for Kawaihae and 0.98:1 for Panaewa. These results indicate that the leeward side of the island receives a significantly greater amount of sulfate of local origin, which is contributed by anthropogenic and/or volcanic sources. In a few cases relatively high sulfate concentrations were measured at the Kawaihae site during or immediately following an eruptive phase of Puu Oo, but such correlation was not apparent for the entire set of data.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE HAWAIIAN RAINBAND PROJECT TO UNDERSTANDING ISLAND AIR FLOW PATTERNS AND VARIABILITY -
THOMAS A. SCHROEDER DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA
The Hawaiian Rainband Project (HaRP 1990), although mainly planned for the study of windward Big Island rainfall systems, did include a number of components of use in i~nderst4nding the fundamental nature of island—wide processes. Six:-research aircraft flights (of a total of 29) -were devoted to the wake of the island. The aircraft was not instrumented for chemistry but was able to map aerosol concentrations. Portable weather stations were able to provide real—time description of winds within sparsely sampled regions~of Puna and Ka’u. Doppler radars actually monitored clouds over the Kalapana coast at the flow front. I shall discuss the general impressions from highly preliminary work with the HaRP data and discuss (with slides) the wake flight of the morning of 11 August.
VOLCANIC HAZE
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PHYSICOCHfl(ISTRY AND TRANSPORT
Antony D. Clarke and John N. Porter School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology University of Hawaii at Nanoa, Honolulu, HI 96822 We have measured the size distribution and volatility of volcanic haze aerosol during ship cruises in the Central Pacific and aircraft flights around the Big Island of Hawaii. Instruments included a condensation nuclei (CN) counter that provides the total number of particles greater than 0.015 ~m diameter and a laser optical,, particle counter (LOPC) that sizes the aerosol over the size range from 0.15 to 7.5 pm diameter. A preheater is incorporated into the LOPC system in order to-drive off aerosol volatile at~both 150°C and 300°C (e.g. sulfuric acid and ammonium sulfate respectively) and leave a refractory aerosol that is either soot, sea—salt or dust. The size distributions’ of each component can thereby be resolved allowing the number, surface area and mass of the aerosol to be determined in :near real—time. During April 1989, aircraft measurements made around the Big Island were taken in the plume that had’ aged on the order of a few hours to a day. These were part of CPACE (Central Pacific Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) aboard the Electra aircraft sponsored by the National Center for Atmospheric Research. In the prior year, similar measurements were made aboard the NOAA ship Oceanographer iii the vicinity of Johnston Island. Here we encountered volcanic aerosol after about one week transport in the marine boundary layer. Near Kona the CN concentrations in the plume were about 3000 cm”3 compared to about 400 cur3 outside of it while values near Johnston Island were about 500 cur3 in the plume compared to 200 cm”’ away from it. An example of the LOPC aerosol volume distribution near Kona at 1,500 ft. altitude and at the surface near Johnston Island is shown for preheat temperatures at ambient, 150°C and 300°. The figure below shows most of the volatile volcanic aerosol mass to be centered near 0.3 pm diameter in both locations. The indicated sulfate concentrations (inferred) represent values one to two orders of magnitude higher than typical remote marine values. They confirm satellite data suggesting the plume presence up to 1000km downwind of the Big Island. The remaining larger non volatile aerosol is commonly sea—salt and/or dust. Further descriptions of both data sets will be presented.
KONA PLUME On 4/12189 AVERAGE ACROSS PLUME AT 1500ft Alt.
JOHNSTON PLUME On 4/24/88 AVERAGE IN PLUME AT SURFACE
E
PN~1IcLE aAacmR (on.) -e-T0TAL—.—1S00 —nO
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pAmc.E COMETS (urn) 1OTM, — 1500 —
THE ATMOSPHERIC FATE OF SULFUR GASES FROM KJL4UEA VOLCANO J.W.Morrow The gaseous emissions from Kilauea Volcano have been studied intermittantly since the early part of this century. Sulfur dioxide (502) was identified as one of the three major components along with HzO vapor and COt Another sulfur gas, H2S, also comprises a small fraction (approximately 1.0 mole-%) of these emissions. Kilauea is currently in the eighth year of an eruptive phase that began in January 1983. 502 emissions over this period have been variable and at times massive. On 4 December 1984, for example, an emission rate equivajent to 32,000 T/da continued for 15 hrs. This rate may be further put into perspective when one considers that U.S. EPA regulations define a “major source” as one which emits lO0,~/y~ Despite these significant emissions, ambient air monitoring on the Island of Hawaii has not detected high S02 levels. Routine monitoring by the Department of Health (DOH) at Hilo averaged <5 ug/m3 (2 ppb) over the 1972 1985 pejiod with maximum 24-hr concentra tions not exceeding 45 ug/m3 (l73ppb), well under the 24-hr National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)of 365 ug/nI (139 ppb). A special study conducted by the DOH over the June 1985 August 1986 period at Kealakekua also averaged <5 ug/m3 with a 24~hr~ maximum~of 12 ug/m3 (5 ppb). In the case of Hilo, we attribute the failure to detect high: S02 levels to (1) its generally upwind location and (2) the infrequent sampling (once every 6 days). At Kealakekua in West Hawaii, we attributed the findings to (1) dispersion due to distance from the source and (2) conversion of 502 to 504 = particles during transport from the source and trapping behind the Mauha Loa mountain mass. -
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In order to begin testing the hypothesis of S02-to-S04= conversion, we conducted air sam pling at Hio and Captain Cook during the July 1989 June 1990 period. A PMio sampler was installed at each location and programmed to collect day (0700-1900 HST) and night (1900-0700 HST) samples. Samples were analyzed by XRF and ion chromatography. Wind data were collected onsite at Captain Cook and obtained from the National Weather Ser vice for Keahole and Hio Airports. -
Results revealed very low S04 = levels at Hilo most of the year but clearly showed episodes during southerly (kona) wind conditions when the plume from the volcanic vents was car ried toward the city. In Captain Cook the annual mean 504 was 4.7 ug/m3 while Hilo was 1.9 ug/m3, a significant difference (p <0.01), but 12-hr maxima at the two sites were comparable (13 15 ug/m3). No diurnal variation was found at either site, but significant seasonal differences were observed. Hilo experienced higher winter-time SO4 levels (p <0.01) while Captain Cook had higher levels in the summer (p <0.10). We attribute this to the NE trade wind regime which is more dominant in the summer. On an annual basis, SOC also comprised a large portion of the PMio mass at Captain Cook (38%) versus Hilo (15%), but both sites experienced similar maxima during episodes (51 67%). The findings of this work provide support for the original hypothesis of S02-to-S04 conversion. -
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7/5/91
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION: AVIEWFROMTHEFIELD Tamar Elias -
Mauka Environmental Monitoring P.O. Box 901 Volcano, Hawaii 96785
The National Park Service was charged by its founding legislation to protect
air quality in the National Parks. A Congressional mandate passed in 1986 allowed the Park Service to expand their nationwide air quality monitoring netSvork to include an ambient air quality monitoring station at the summit of Kilaue4 Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Instrumentation at this site has monitored S02 concentrations as well as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, dewpoint, solar radiation and rainfall since October 1986. Fine particle(<2.5 micron) and PM1O particle(<1O micron) samples are collected on stacked filter units. The fine particles are analyzed for mass, the elements sodium to lead, hydrogen, the coefficient of optical absorption, organic and light-absorbing carbon, nitrate and S02. While this network of stations was initially conceived to monitor man-made air pollution, continuous monitoring at the summit of Kilauea provides a valuable record of the effects of eruptive activity on air quality. The instrument system was originally configured with a SO2 UV fluorescence analyzer operating in the 0-1 ppm range. In June of 1991, an additional analyzer with a 5 ppm range was added to document sporadic excursions beyond 1 ppm. These two instruments along with the meteorological equipment provide a basis for interpreting the
SO2 data. SO2 levels have exceeded the Ambient Air Quality 3 and 24 hour standards established by the EPA several times a year. The data show that the Hawaii Volcanoes maximum 502 values from 1988-1989 were four times higher than any other National Park including those near urbanhindusthal areas. A preliminary interpretation of data suggests that two distinct wind patterns accompany periods of high SC>~ concentration, and that high rainfall reduces 502 levels.
Visitors’ delight and managers’ dilemma: providing adcess to Kupaianaha lava floi~s in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Dan Taylor, Chief of Resources Management Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 26 June, 1991
Park visitors and employees have been closely associated with volcanic gasses and aerosols since lava flows from Kupaianaha Vent arrived ~fl~accessible lowland sites in 1987. Park managers expressed concern over the short and long term health effects from exposure to fallout from the plume at the shore. The Park thus promoted a simple and inexpensive study in 1988 by the University of California (Davis) Air Quality Group. The study indicated health hazard from high amounts of inhalable and respirable particulates ‘in the plume. Despite obvious solutions, managers took nearly a year to respond with appropriate policies. to guide visitor access to lava viewing and protective equipment., for workers.
RESPIRATORY EFPECTS TO MAN BY VOLCANIC ERUPTION IN HAWAII 7/1/91
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CARL P. HALLENBORG INTRODUCTION
Respiratory complaints are associated with volcanic eruption by patients and health care workers. The existence of such claims, as well as the cause,
is being examined by our group. PROTOCOL
The resp±i~atbry health of 50 healthy children and adults upwind from the volcano (Hilo) was compared to 50 subjects downwind (Kona) during the study period 1989-1990. Daily peak flow arkd spirometric data were compared to certain pollutants, particulates, and sulfates known to cause respiratory illness. RESULTS
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Sulfate and particulate pollution do not reach levels known to cause respiratory illness in controlled situations. A few subjects apparently suffered from even mild elevation in pollution. An overall downward trend in pulmonary function is noted in both children and adults. DISCUSSION Our results are similar to other longer studies. Some react adversely to mild elevation of pollution, more have a small but statistically significant reduction in overall pulmonary function. SUMMARY Volcanic eruption adversely affects respiratory health, at least~’ in the short term, but does not cause environmental health catastro phe. Further study is justified.
The Production of Hydrochloric Acid Aerosol from the Eruption of Kilauea Volcano
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R. L. Chuan (Femtometrics, Costa Mesa, CA 92627) Two mechanisms have been observed to produce hydrochloric acid aerosol the eruption of Kilauea Volcano.
from
While there is a large quantity of sulfuric
acid aerosol from the Pu’u O’o vent, as well as hydrogen chloride gas, there is
no
evidence o-f the latter in aqueous form.
The only hydrochloric acid
aerosol fourcd is apparently the result of secondary processes. the
flash evaporation of
sea water,
the
volcano enters the ocean,
along with the salts,
as firstobserved by Gerlach.
One is from
when
lava
from
The other is
the reaction of the sulfuric acid aerosol with sea salt as the plume from the Pu’u O’o vent is transported over the ocean, the reaction yielding sodium sulfate
and
hydrogen chloride,
acid aerosol.
the latter then hydroliz-ing to hydrochloric
Evidence of this mechanism is found in aerosol samples taken
from the west coast of the island of Hawaii at Kona, about vent,
km from the
in a populated area that has been experiencing the deleterious effects
of VOG. found
100
Aside from sulfuric acid in the Kona aerosol samples there, are also
sodium chloride and
hydrochloric acid.
sodium sulfate crystals,
as well as droplets of
Whereas sulfuric acid constitutes over 8UZ of the total
aer’~] mass fro~’ the Pu’u O’o vent, in the KQna samples it only constitutes about
SOZ,
the
balance
being
in silicates and sodium chloride
sodium sulfate and aqueous hydrogen chloride (20%).
(3U/o), ‘and
SOURCEG Oy SULFUR ISOTOPIC RESULTS
IN VOLCANIC HAZE : PRELIMINARY REPORT OP
CASADBVALt~,
t. a. .nd R. 0. RYE, U. S. Geological Survey, Co 5022S, and 3. W. HORRON, American Lung Association, Hanolulu, HI ~6O17
Denver,
We
have begun sulfur isotope analyci. of sulfate on high-volurrie air rilter gampl.. collected at Halapana and Captain Cook on the island of ‘Hawaii UI Order to determine
the
soutce
recovering
of
sulfur
in
volcanic haze.
A techniqu. for
small amcunts of sulfate froit filter. as well as
the instrumental methods for isotopic antlylis of small samples havEr been developed. Sulfate was leached from filters which wets cDllect.d during 12 hour, diurnal periods under differing vind regime, including daytime northeasterly trade wind., nighttime drainage winds, and occasionally coutherly “kona” winds. The quantity of tulfmte recovered as Ba804 is typically very small (<1 to 14 micrograms). Thu small sample size presents some analytical challenges for mass spectrometry by conventional techniques which are currently being worked out.
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data indicate two distinct sources of sulfur in samples, Seawater sulfate (+20 per cii ~34S) is indicated for low yield sample. collected in November 1Q20 it the Malapana —site (upwind tram degassing lava) during normal trade wind conditions. Sulfate of dominantly magmatic origin (+2 to +5 per mu L’34S) is indicated for higher-yield samples collected during the same period at the downwind site at Captain Cook. Preliminary
these
Informal report prepared for seminar on Vog and Laze, UH—IUlo, 29 July 1991. This Informal report has not been approved fQr publication by USGS.
