The La Palma volcano erupted a few hours ago , the whole world has its eyes on this island as the lava advances. Although experts have already warned that the eruption was imminent, given the seismic activity in the area, no one could predict what was about to happen. A similar situation had not been experienced for 50 years. A volcanic eruption is a natural process that is difficult to quantify and to predict. Clues can be analyzed and rough calculations can be made, but they will never be exact. Lava is located in the depths of the earth, therefore, it is impossible to quantify it exactly, for now, this eruption can only be analyzed little by little.
This is what will happen when the lava from the La Palma volcano reaches the sea
🗺️ Danger map. Basalt lava flows
🌋Simulation of #lava flows from the eruptive fissure of the #LaPalma volcano 🇮🇨
Source: # IGNSpain # VolcanLaPalma # VigilanciaVolcánica #CumbreVieja @mitmagob @ 112canarias @CabLaPalma @PresiCan @InnovaLaPalma pic.twitter.com/zEShHultFd
– IGN-CNIG (@IGNSpain) September 20, 2021
One of the moments that scientists hope will occur during the next few hours is the arrival of the lava from the volcano to the sea. In an unstoppable way the different fronts that sprout from the interior of the earth advance to the surface. Lava kills everything in its path, there is nothing that can stop it. Houses, trees, roads, highways, will disappear before its passage given the high temperatures to which it is subjected.
The initial predictions of this lava made by the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands were of 11 million cubic meters that are related to the amount of magma that the volcano harbors. But this Monday, Ángel Víctor Torres, the Canarian president raised the forecasts to between 17 and 20 million cubic meters .
With these figures, it is expected that the lava reaches the sea in large quantities , this fact will create a chemical reaction that generates intense smoke capable of launching very fine particles of hydrochloric acid and glass into the atmosphere. These types of particles are toxic if breathed in and can irritate the skin and eyes, causing discomfort and respiratory problems that must be treated.
When the lava reaches the sea, nearby areas will be warned of the risk. The inhabitants of this territory will be asked not to leave home unless it is absolutely essential, taking the appropriate precautions. A gust of wind can move this smoke that can be harmful to people, creating an environment with direct health effects. Maritime navigation will also be affected, it is recommended that nearby vessels do not approach to see this phenomenon, this smoke could harm them.
