Ongoing volcanic eruptions at Kilauea since December 2024 have created acidic conditions that damaged vegetation around the summit when wind patterns shifted volcanic gases toward populated areas.
- Kilauea’s summit eruption began December 23, 2024 and has produced 48 high lava fountaining episodes.
- Winter kona wind patterns pushed acidic volcanic plumes north toward Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and communities instead of the usual southwest direction.
- Sulfur dioxide gas from the eruption creates acid rain with pH levels of 4 or less, burning vegetation and turning foliage brown.
- Native ohia lehua trees can close their breathing pores to survive exposure to toxic volcanic gases.
Source: Maui Now
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