The volcano on La Palma has been spitting lava and ash for more than a week.
The sulfur dioxide cloud is spreading further and further into Europe.
Munich - A huge sulfur cloud moves from La Palma towards Europe and Germany.
Since the volcanic eruption of Cumbre Vieja on the Canarian holiday island, thousands of tons of sulfur gases (SO₂) have been released into the atmosphere every day.
Volcanic eruption on La Palma: sulfur cloud moves to Svalbard
The volcanic gas cloud from La Palma will reach Svalbard on September 28th at 20 o'clock UTC, tweeted Copernicus EU.
This is the forecast from CAMS (EU Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring).
The researchers visualized this gigantic spread of the sulfur cloud with a map.
The cloud is colored deep dark red in some places, some light orange spots can be seen over Germany.
Almost three days ago the sulfur cloud reached western Germany
Sulfur dioxide is actually invisible.
But gas clouds can be observed via satellite with so-called spectrometers or radiometers.
According to CAMS, it monitors the effects of volcanic eruptions on the composition of the atmosphere when sulfur dioxide and other pollutants are removed from the volcano.
Volcanic eruption on La Palma: is the sulfur cloud dangerous for people?
In addition to sulfur dioxide (SO₂), the main constituents of almost all volcanic gases are water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
The volcanic gases play an important role in predicting volcanic eruptions.
A volcanic eruption is often heralded by increased gas emissions.
If sulfur gases are to be measured, an outbreak may be imminent.
Sulfur dioxide is a poisonous gas.
It can irritate the mucous membranes.
Cause eye and breathing problems.
But the sulfur cloud from La Palma is not a danger for people.
"The impact of SO2 released by Cumbre Vieja on surface weather and air quality is likely to be very small," said Mark Parrington, senior scientist at the ECMWF's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, in a press release.
And further: "Most of the emitted SO2 is much higher in the atmosphere, especially if you are further away from the source, and could only be visible as a light haze in the sky."
However, sulfur dioxide SO₂ can damage plants.
Acid rain is fatal to vegetation.
He makes grass and pastures wither, pollutes water sources.
Famous example: The Laki eruption in Iceland in 1783.
Laki gases and ashes had been dispersed across Europe by currents of air.
The volcanic eruption released 8 million tons of hydrogen fluoride and around 120 million tons of sulfur dioxide.
They caused what is known as the “
laki
haze” over Europe which, according to
icelandreview.com, has
led to widespread human and animal deaths, drought, and famine.
# LaPalmaEruption🌋
The emissions of # SO2 into the atmosphere from the ongoing eruption in #LaPalma continue
⬇️Sulphur dioxide total column on 28 Sept at 20:00 UTC will reach Svalbard, as forecasted by our Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service #CAMS (@Windycom visualization ) pic.twitter.com/BNKhqBFJjE
- Copernicus EU (@CopernicusEU) September 28, 2021
Volcanic eruption on La Palma - authorities warn of toxic gases
The volcanic eruption on La Palma provides spooky moments.
The lava makes its way to the sea inexorably - destroys everything.
The situation changes every hour.
After a lava flow had only stopped, it crushed a church on the holiday island on Sunday.
It is only a matter of time before the 1000 degree hot lava pours into the sea.
A curfew has been imposed in four locations.
300 residents should keep windows and doors closed.
According to experts, when lava hits the salty sea water, there is a violent explosion.
Poisonous gases with hydrochloric acid can be produced.
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