Hawaii volcano produces methane and “eerie” blue flames

Lava fountaining at Fissure 22 is seen reaching a height of about 50 m (about 160 ft) at times, during ongoing eruptions of the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, U.S. on May 22, 2018.

 

Scientists in Hawaii have captured rare images of blue methane flames burning from cracks in the pavement as Kilauea volcano gushes lava in the background.

The photos and video offer a look at a new dimension in the volcano’s weeks-long eruption.

The volcano produces methane when hot lava buries and burns plants and trees. The gas flows through the ground and up through existing cracks.

US Geological Survey scientist Jim Kauahikaua (COW-ah-hee-COW-ah) told reporters it’s just the second time he’s ever seen blue flames during an eruption. He says it was dramatic and eerie.

The methane can seep through cracks several feet away from the lava.

Geological Survey scientist Wendy Stovall says the methane can cause explosions when it’s ignited while trapped underground. Blasts can toss rlocks several feet.

In this May 20, 2018 file photo, lava flows into the ocean near Pahoa, Hawaii.