DOCSLIB.ORG

Respiratory Health Effects of Volcanic Ash with Special Reference To

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Respiratory Health Effects of Volcanic Ash with Special Reference To The Clinical Respiratory Journal REVIEW ARTICLE Respiratory health effects of volcanic ash with special reference to Iceland. A reviewcrj_231 2..9 Gunnar Gudmundsson1,2 1 Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland 2 Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland Abstract Key words Background and Aims: Volcano eruptions occur around the world and can have an health – respiratory – review – volcanic ash – impact on health in many ways both locally and on a global scale as a result of volcanic gases airborne dispersion of gases and ash or as impact on climate. In this review, a recent Correspondence volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland is described and its effects on avia- Gunnar Gudmundsson, MD, PhD, Department tion around the globe and on respiratory health in those exposed to the volcanic of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Sleep, ash in Iceland. Also, the effects of a large volcano eruption in Iceland in 1789 are Landspitali-University Hospital, E-7 Fossvogur, described that also had effect on a global scale by causing air pollution. IS-108 Methods and Results: The available studies reviewed here suggest that the acute Reykjavik, Iceland. and chronic health effects of volcanic ash depend on particle size (how much Tel: +354-5436876 Fax: +354-5436568 respirable), mineralogical composition (crystalline silica content) and the physico- email: [email protected] chemical properties of the surfaces of ash particles. These can vary between volca- noes and even between eruptions, making comparison difficult. Acute respiratory Received: 05 October 2010 symptoms suggesting asthma and bronchitis have been well described. Exacerba- Revision requested: 17 October 2010 tions of pre-existing lung and heart disease are common after inhalation of volcanic Accepted: 20 October 2010 ash. Limited information is available on increase in mortality from recent eruptions but historical evidence is well described. No long-term effects on lung function have DOI:10.1111/j.1752-699X.2010.00231.x been found after exposure to volcanic ash.There are concerns for the long-term risks Authorship of silicosis from chronic exposure to volcanic ash but no cases have been described. Gunnar Gudmundsson wrote and revised the Conclusion: Acute respiratory symptoms after exposure to volcanic ash are well paper. described but no long-term effects have been found. Conflicts of interest Please cite this paper as: Gudmundsson G. Respiratory health effects of volcanic ash The authors have stated explicitly that there with special reference to Iceland. A review. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: 2–9. are no conflicts of interest in connection with this article. Introduction 3–5). This was shown in a recent volcano eruption in Iceland where air traffic was put to halt for several days Volcanic eruptions are different from other kinds of in large areas of Europe causing major economical natural disaster in that they can result in a wide range impact. The same was also true in 1783 when a volca- of health impacts (1). It has been estimated that over nic eruption in Iceland had major effects on climate 500 million people worldwide live within a potential in Europe and in other areas of the world (1, 3, 4). exposure range (100 km) of a volcano that has been Although eruptions are most often short-lived, ashfall active within recorded history (2). Many volcanic deposits remain in the environment for years up to regions are densely populated and several are close to decades, being redistributed by wind or by human major cities. Volcanic eruption is also unique in that it activity (1, 3, 6). can also affect areas hundreds or thousands of kilome- This review focuses on the respiratory effects of ash tres away from the volcano itself, as a result of airborne particles, so other health hazards will not be considered distribution of ash, or even on a hemispheric to global here. Special attention will be given to a recent volcano scale because of impacts on climate and aviation (1, eruption in Eyjafjallajökull in southern Iceland and 2 The Clinical Respiratory Journal (2011) • ISSN 1752-6981 © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd Gudmundsson Respiratory health effects of volcanic ash previous volcano eruption in Iceland that had effects on global health. Geology of volcanoes Volcanic activity can be broadly defined as either effusive (predominantly quiet emission of lavas, e.g. eruption of Kilavez, Hawaii) or explosive (e.g. the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland in 2010). Explosive eruptions are basically of two categories, magmatic eruptions where the explosive fragmentation is prima- rily caused by the expansion of magmatic gases and phreatomagmatic eruptions where fragmentation results from magma–water interaction (7). Volcanoes Figure. 1. The volcanic eruption at Fimmvorduhals from March are most commonly associated with tectonic plate to April, 2010. This was a popular attraction for tourists. Photo margins. Most volcano eruptions in history have by Arni Tryggvason. occurred on continental margins or island arcs where the edge of one tectonic plate drops beneath another during an eruption (1, 3, 6–8). The location of a (7). Most of these volcanoes are tall cones with summit volcano relative to inhabited areas is also important craters and tend to erupt infrequently but violently. with respect to potential hazards from tephra fallout. Examples from the so-called ‘Ring of Fire’, i.e. around It is more likely that inhabited areas that are close to the Pacific Ocean include Pinatubo (Philippines). the volcano will be more affected. This could be from Mt St Helens (United States) and Mt Fuji (Japan). social factors such as disruption of daily life activities European volcanoes include Vesuvius in Italy, whose and also from health effects because of likelihood of catastrophic eruption in AD 79 destroyed Pompeii and more exposure to volcanic ash. Freshly erupted ash Santorini in Greece (7). Volcanoes are also found differs from other natural dusts in several ways. The where tectonic plates are separating, e.g. those in particle surfaces are unweathered and are therefore not the African Rift Valley (3, 7). Some volcanoes are not oxidised and can carry condensed volatiles such as related to tectonic plates and instead to deeper seated acids, polycyclic hydrocarbons and trace metals (1). convective processes occurring within the Earth’s Those compounds adhering to the surface of tephra mantle. They can be found in both oceanic and conti- particles can cause pollution of water supplies and nental regions. Examples are the volcanoes of Hawaii grazing lands in areas remote to the erupting volcanoes Islands and Yellowstone (United States) (1, 3, 4, 7). (1, 3). Drinking water may become contaminated by Iceland is on the tectonic plate margin. There volcanic fluorine, but fluorine poisoning in humans is thought eruptions occur every 3–4 years, with more than to be rare (3). However, grazing animals can ingest half occurring beneath glaciers. (Fig. 1) In Iceland, toxic quantities of fluorine. Heavy falls of tephra by far, the greatest majority of explosive events are can damage vegetation, including agricultural crops. phreatomagmatic explosive eruptions. These often Tephra by itself can present many types of health occur in volcanic systems that are partly covered by ice hazard (1, 3). Health hazards are most commonly caps such as the Grímsvötn and Katla volcanoes (7, 8). through inhalation and abrasion of skin and mucus membranes such as conjunctiva, but also from loading on roofs causing buildings to collapse and through Tephra and ash falls impacts on environments (1, 3, 6). Tephra is a general term for any fragmentary material emitted from volcanoes, while ash refers to tephra par- Volcanic gases ticles that are less than 2 mm across. (1, 3, 4, 7). The factors influencing tephra distribution can be divided Volatiles that can be emitted during volcano eruptions into those governed by (i) the type, intensity and mag- include CO and CO2, SO2, HCl, HF,H2S and radon (3, nitude of the eruption, including height of the erup- 4, 6). Exposure to acidic gases without wearing respi- tion column; (ii) the duration of the eruption; and ratory protection, especially if repeated frequently, may (iii) those governed by external factors such as wind lead to irritant-induced asthma including reactive strength, wind direction and changes in wind direction airways dysfunction syndrome (3, 4). The Clinical Respiratory Journal (2011) • ISSN 1752-6981 3 © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd Respiratory health effects of volcanic ash Gudmundsson Recent volcano activity in Iceland During the 11 centuries of settlement in Iceland, vol- canic activity has repeatedly affected the population (8). Most part of Iceland is sparsely populated with no permanent settlements in the interior highlands. Popu- lation clusters mainly occur along the coast, with about 70% of the 300 000 inhabitants living in the greater Reykjavík area and along the shore in southwest Iceland (8). The Reykjavík metropolitan area is located just outside the margins of the active volcanic zone (8). Eyjafjallajökull is a glacier on the southern shore of Iceland about 150 km from Reykjavik that rises to 1666 m above sea level. There is agricultural land on its southern slopes, with farms located as close as 7 km Figure. 3. Seljavellir, the cultivated fields that had the most volcanic ashfall during the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010. from the summit. An explosive eruption started on 14 Photo by Gunnar Gudmundsson on 31 May 2010. April 2010 and was located within the ice-capped summit of the volcano (Fig. 2) (9–11). Erupting from beneath the ice cap, ash was formed by the contact of magma (at over 1000°C temperature) with water and ice. It was the interaction between the magma and water that gave rise to the explosivity generating large volumes of finely comminuted ash. The eruption plume reached heights of almost 10 km on the first day of the eruption (9).Three days of sustained tephra pro- duction followed, leading to ash dispersal towards the southeast (Fig.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Impact of Trace Metal Concentrations on Coccolithophore Growth and Morphology: Laboratory Simulations of Cretaceous Stress
    Biogeosciences Discuss., doi:10.5194/bg-2017-138, 2017 Manuscript under review for journal Biogeosciences Discussion started: 21 April 2017 c Author(s) 2017. CC-BY 3.0 License. Impact of trace metal concentrations on coccolithophore growth and morphology: laboratory simulations of Cretaceous stress. Giulia Faucher1, Linn Hoffmann2, Lennart T. Bach3, Cinzia Bottini1, Elisabetta Erba1, Ulf Riebesell3 1 Earth Sciences Department “Ardito Desio”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy 5 2 Department of Botany, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand 3 Biological Oceanography, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany Correspondence to: Giulia Faucher ([email protected]) 10 Abstract. The Cretaceous ocean witnessed intervals of profound perturbations such as volcanic input of large amounts of CO2, anoxia, eutrophication, and introduction of biologically relevant metals. Some of these extreme events were characterized by size reduction and/or morphological changes of a few calcareous nannofossil species. The correspondence between intervals of high trace metal concentrations and coccolith dwarfism suggests a negative effect of these elements on nannoplankton biocalcification process in past oceans. In order to verify this hypothesis, we explored the potential effect of a 15 mixture of trace metals on growth and morphology of four living coccolithophore species, namely Emiliania huxleyi, Gephyrocapsa oceanica, Pleurochrysis carterae and Coccolithus pelagicus. These taxa are phylogenetically linked to the Mesozoic species showing dwarfism under excess metal concentrations. The trace metals tested were chosen to simulate the environmental stress identified in the geological record and upon known trace metal interaction with living coccolithophores algae. 20 Our laboratory experiments demonstrated that elevated trace metal concentrations not only affect coccolithophore algae production but, similarly to the fossil record, coccolith size and/or weight.
    [Show full text]
  • Wyoming's Bentonite and Trona Resources
    Wyoming’s Bentonite and Trona Resources By Chamois Andersen, Wyoming State Geological Survey (Fall 2014) Many of the Earth’s minerals are used for industrial purposes, but consumers may not realize they also benefit from these minerals in a number of their everyday products. Bentonite and trona are two such resources, with Wyoming being home to some of the largest deposits in the world and leading the nation in their production. Bentonite is an important mineral to the energy industry because of its use in drilling mud for oil and natural gas wells. Consumers use bentonite when they buy kitty litter and cosmetics. Many industrial minerals have unique characteristics that make them particularly useful. Bentonite, for example, can swell up to 16 times its original size and hold up to 10 times its weight in water. Known as the “clay of 1,000 uses,” the mineral is also used in pharmaceuticals and as a bonding agent in molds for castings in iron and steel foundries, among many other uses. Wyoming has 70 percent of the known bentonite deposits in the world. In 2013, the state mined more than 4 million tons of bentonite. While much of this resource is used in cat litter, recent increases in overall mining and production of bentonite in the state can be directly linked to oil and gas drilling. The same is true for trona. It has a wide variety of manufacturing uses as well as consumer uses. Trona is mined to make soda ash, which is used to make flat glass for the automotive and construction industries.
    [Show full text]
  • Nitrogen Leaching Losses on a Volcanic Ash Soil As Affected by the Source of Fertiliser
    R.C.Suelo Nutr. Veg. 6 (2) 2006 (54-63) J.Soil Sc. Plant. Nutr.6 (2) 2006 (54-63) 54 NITROGEN LEACHING LOSSES ON A VOLCANIC ASH SOIL AS AFFECTED BY THE SOURCE OF FERTILISER Marta Alfaro V.1; Francisco Salazar S.1; Denisse Endress B.2; Juan C. Dumont L.1; Aldo Valdebenito B.1 1 Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA, Remehue P.O. Box 24-O Osorno Chile. Corresponding author. Phone: +56 64 233515. Fax: +56 64 237746. Correo electrónico: [email protected]. 2 Universidad de Los Lagos. Postgraduates School. P.O. Box 933 Osorno, Chile. Pérdidas de nitrógeno por lixiviación por efecto de la fuente del fertilizante en un suelo derivado de cenizas volcánicas Keywords: fish sludge, dairy slurry, inorganic fertilizer, water quality ABSTRACT An intact lysimeters study was carried out to measure the potential nitrogen (N) losses on an andisoil of Southern Chile with different fertilisers. The treatments tested were: fish slurry (FS), dairy slurry (DS), potassium nitrate (IF) and a control treatment (C), with no N addition. An equivalent amount of 150 kg of total N ha-1 was applied to each lysimeter and then the equivalent to 1260 mm of rainfall was irrigated over a 90 days period. Leachate samples were analysed for nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and organic N (No). Total N losses were calculated as the product between drainage and the respective N concentration in the leachates. Lowest N losses were obtained in the control and FS treatments (66 kg N ha-1) and the greatest amount was obtained in the IF treatment (261 kg N ha-1).
    [Show full text]
  • Volcanic Hazards at Mount Shasta, California
    U.S. Geological Survey / Department of the Interior Volcanic Hazards at Mount Shasta, California Volcanic Hazards at Mount Shasta, California by Dwight R. Crandell and Donald R. Nichols Cover: Aerial view eastward toward Mount Shasta and the community of Weed, California, located on deposits of pyroclastic flows formed about 9,500 years ago. The eruptions of Mount St. Helens, Washington, in 1980 served as a reminder that long-dormant volcanoes can come to life again. Those eruptions, and their effects on people and property, also showed the value of having information about volcanic hazards well in advance of possible volcanic activity. This pam­ phlet about Mount Shasta provides such information for the public, even though the next eruption may still be far in the future. Locating areas of possible hazard and evaluating them is one of the roles of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). If scientists recognize signs of an impending eruption, responsi­ ble public officials will be notified and they may advise you' of the need to evacuate certain areas or to take other actions to protect yourself. Your cooperation will help reduce the danger to yourself and others. This pamphlet concerning volcanic hazards at Mount Shasta was prepared by the USGS with the cooperation of the Division of Mines and Geology and the Office of Emergency Services of the State of California. An eruption of Mount Shasta could endanger your life and the lives of your family and friends. To help you understand and plan for such a danger, this pamphlet describes the kinds of volcanic activity that have occurred in the past, shows areas that could be affected in the future, and suggests ways of reducing the risk to life or health if the volcano does erupt.
    [Show full text]
  • Volcanic Ash in South Central ND
    Volcanic Ash in South-Central North Dakota By Edward C. Murphy Early Work Mankind has been aware of the beneficial uses of volcanic ash for thousands of years. The Romans discovered Pozzolana (powdery volcanic ash named for its occurrence near Pozzuolli, Italy) and mixed it with lime and water to form concrete piers at a colony called Cosa, located north of Rome. Portions of these piers, almost 2000 years old, still exist today. Volcanic ash deposits are present in northern Sioux, southern Morton, and central Emmons counties in south- central North Dakota. These deposits are about 68 million years old. T.W. Stanton was the first to identify volcanic ash Scanning electron photomicrograph of glass grains from a in the Linton area in 1917. This deposit has been referred to volcanic ash deposit. These glass grains were molten when as the Linton ash. Stanton noted the ash was 26 feet thick and they were ejected into the atmosphere from a volcano. The occurred in the lower part of the Fox Hills Formation. In cooling glass trapped gas bubbles thus creating a high percentage 1952, S.P. Fisher greatly expanded the known areal extent of of void spaces in the glass grains, which is why volcanic ash or the ash finding it in several localities in both central and south- pumicite is so light in weight. central Emmons County. Ten years later, Oscar Manz (1962) authored a report for the North Dakota Geological Survey The Volk Family on the pozzolanic properties of ash samples within a 35- square-mile radius of Linton.
    [Show full text]
  • Treatment of Tannery Wastewater to Remove Hazardous Pollutants By
    International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB) Vol-2, Issue-6, Nov -Dec- 2017 http://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijeab/2.6.10 ISSN: 2456-1878 Treatment of Tannery Wastewater to Remove Hazardous Pollutants by Scoria (Volcanic ash) a Low cost Adsorbent Mekonnen Birhanie, Seyoum Leta, Mohammed Mazharuddin Khan Center for Environmental Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Abstract — In present study Scoria, a volcanic ash INTRODUCTION identified as potentially efficient low-cost and locally 1.1 Introduction: Tanning is one of the oldest industries available filter media as an adsorbent for the treatment of in the world Tannery effluent is among one of the most tannery wastewater and investigated as a filter media for hazardous pollutants of industry. Major problems caused tannery wastewater treatment with selected by tannery wastewater containing heavy metals, nutrients, physicochemical parameters. This study had been toxic chemicals, chloride, lime with high dissolved and conducted in Addis Ababa University from May to August suspended salts, and other pollutants. 2016.The volcanic rocks were collected from volcanic With the growth of population, the increasing requirement cones of refit valley area of Oromia region, Ethiopia and of leather and its products led to the establishment of their chemical characteristics were determined using large commercial tanneries. Tanneries are typically XRF analysis. Batch mode comparative experimental characterized as pollution intensive industrial complexes study design has been carried out. The filter media was which generate widely varying, high-strength crushed and graded and effective size was determined by wastewaters. Nearly 30 m3 of wastewater is generated using standard sieve.
    [Show full text]
  • Which Facemasks Are Best to Protect from Breathing Volcanic Ash?
    Which facemasks Background Inhaling fine ash particles during and after volcanic are best to protect eruptions is unpleasant, uncomfortable and carries health risks. Some vulnerable groups (like children, from breathing and people with existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease) are particularly at risk of volcanic ash? developing health problems. While agencies often distribute a wide variety of masks to protect communities at risk of breathing ash, little was When a volcano erupts, humanitarian agencies often known about how effective these are, nor on how distribute surgical masks by the million. These are best to design messaging around interventions to mostly from existing stockpiles for viral pandemics. ensure people understand how to protect But do these interventions protect people’s health? themselves. The HIVE study investigated respiratory protection Not all masks are effective (facemasks and other cloth materials), to establish Governmental and humanitarian agencies whether some forms of protection against volcanic recommend and distribute a variety of facemasks, ash were better than others, and if some protection most commonly surgical masks, in responses to is better than none. The research also explored volcanic risk. However, this research study found behavioural factors influencing mask use in these masks are not always effective at protecting different societies to inform humanitarian decision- making and engagement. people from inhaling volcanic ash. Wearing ineffective masks can also give people a false sense of security, potentially increasing their exposure. How the research was The Health Interventions in Volcanic Eruptions (HIVE) conducted study provides a new evidence-base to inform The study completed laboratory testing of different humanitarian interventions, looking at both the facemasks and undertook wearability trials effectiveness (protection from ash) and amongst communities affected by volcanic ash.
    [Show full text]
  • Vulnerability of Wastewater Treatment Plants to Volcanic Na-Tech Events
    433 A publication of CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TRANSACTIONS The Italian Association VOL. 36, 2014 of Chemical Engineering www.aidic.it/cet Guest Editors: Valerio Cozzani, Eddy de Rademaeker Copyright © 2014, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l., ISBN 978-88-95608-27-3; ISSN 2283-9216 DOI: 10.3303/CET1436073 Vulnerability of Wastewater Treatment Plants to Volcanic Na-Tech Events Giuseppa Ancione*a, Ernesto Salzanob, Giuseppe Maschioc, Maria Francesca a Milazzo aDipartimento di Ingegneria Elettronica, Chimica e Ingegneria Industriale, Università di Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy. bIstituto di Ricerche sulla Combustione, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Diocleziano 328, Napoli, Italy. cDipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università di Padova, Via F.Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy. [email protected] Volcanic hazards caused by explosive eruptions could cause a wide range of Na-Tech risks (technological risks triggered by natural events), followed by negative effects for people and/or environment. In particular, volcanic ash fallout can directly endanger human health, structures and critical infrastructures (wastewater treatment plants, electricity networks, etc.). It is well known that even relatively moderate emissions often cause significant damages and economic losses. This work illustrates a preliminary study to approach the vulnerability estimation of wastewater treatment plants, which are located in areas with potential volcanic ash fallouts. It represents the first step for the further implementation of a recent methodology for the vulnerability mapping based on the use of a Geographical Information System (GIS). 1. Introduction Many natural events caused several damages to lifeline systems (electrical power grids, water distribution systems, gas and oil pipelines). The disruption of lifelines can affect whole cities or even entire countries (Cruz et al., 2004).
    [Show full text]
  • Volcanic Ash Impacts on Critical Infrastructure ⇑ Thomas M
    Physics and Chemistry of the Earth 45–46 (2012) 5–23 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Physics and Chemistry of the Earth journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/pce Volcanic ash impacts on critical infrastructure ⇑ Thomas M. Wilson a, , Carol Stewart b, Victoria Sword-Daniels c, Graham S. Leonard b, David M. Johnston b, Jim W. Cole a, Johnny Wardman a, Grant Wilson a, Scott T. Barnard a a Department of Geological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand b Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University and GNS Science, P.O. Box 756, Wellington, New Zealand c Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom article info abstract Article history: Volcanic eruptions can produce a wide range of hazards. Although phenomena such as pyroclastic flows Available online 22 June 2011 and surges, sector collapses, lahars and ballistic blocks are the most destructive and dangerous, volcanic ash is by far the most widely distributed eruption product. Although ash falls rarely endanger human life Keywords: directly, threats to public health and disruption to critical infrastructure services, aviation and primary Volcanic risk production can lead to significant societal impacts. Even relatively small eruptions can cause widespread Electricity supplies disruption, damage and economic loss. Water supplies Volcanic eruptions are, in general, infrequent and somewhat exotic occurrences, and consequently in Wastewater many parts of the world, the management of critical infrastructure during volcanic crises can be Transport Telecommunications improved with greater knowledge of the likely impacts. This article presents an overview of volcanic ash impacts on critical infrastructure, other than aviation and fuel supply, illustrated by findings from impact assessment reconnaissance trips carried out to a wide range of locations worldwide by our inter- national research group and local collaborators.
    [Show full text]
  • Gleim Commercial Pilot Flight Maneuvers Sixth Edition, First Printing Updates September 2019
    Page 1 of 7 Gleim Commercial Pilot Flight Maneuvers Sixth Edition, First Printing Updates September 2019 NOTE: Sections with changes are indicated by a vertical bar in the left margin. Text that should be deleted is displayed with a line through it. New text is shown with blue underlined font. If you are tested on any content not represented in our materials or this update, please share this information with Gleim so we can continue to provide the most complete test preparation experience possible. You can submit feedback at www.GleimAviation.com/questions. Thank you in advance for your help! The changes described and reproduced in this update are due to the release of the FAA’s revised Commercial Pilot – Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-7A, Change 1), effective June 2019. To view the updated ACS, go to https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/media/commercial_airplane_acs_change_1.pdf The Task reproductions at the beginning of each Part II study unit as well as each Task element within each subunit have been updated to match the FAA ACS document above. Part II/Study Unit 5 – Weather Information Page 40, Subunit 5.1, New item 1.b.: b. Flight Service Stations (FSSs) are FAA facilities that provide a variety of services to pilots, including pilot weather briefings. 1) An FSS provides preflight and in-flight briefings, transcribed weather briefings, and scheduled and unscheduled weather broadcasts, and it furnishes weather support to flights in its area. 2) Flight service specialists are certificated pilot weather briefers and are not authorized to make original forecasts.
    [Show full text]
  • Volcanic Emissions and Volcanic Ash)
    Protecting Keiki From Vog (Volcanic Emissions and Volcanic Ash) What is vog? Vog (short for volcanic smog) refers to the hazy mixture in the air that comes from Kīlauea volcano on Hawai‘i Island. Vog usually contains sulfur dioxide (SO2) and other gases, along with tiny particles known as particulate matter (PM2.5). What areas/regions are most affected by vog? During trade wind conditions, areas downwind and close to the eruption sites, such as the in Ka‘u District, can be exposed to SO2 and PM2.5. Areas farther downwind (e.g., the west side of Hawai‘i Island and other islands in the state) are mostly affected by fine particles. However, with changes in the winds (e.g., low trades, variable winds or Kona winds) areas normally unaffected may experience “voggy” conditions and poor air quality (e.g. Volcano Village, Puna District, Hilo, Hamakua Coast and other islands). Sometimes, Kīlauea also releases ash that falls in the areas of the wind direction and can sometimes travel very far distances. Who is at risk for health effects from vog? The components in vog are acidic and irritate the moist surfaces in our breathing passage. Some people are more sensitive to vog and air pollution in general than are other people. Sensitive groups include: • Infants and children, • People with pre-existing lung and heart conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema), • The elderly, and • New or expectant mothers. People across Hawai‘i Island are also at risk because vog levels are primarily dependent on the amount of emissions released by the volcano, the distance from the source vents, and the wind direction and speed on a given day.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 5 Alaska’S Volcanoes and You!
    Chapter 5 Alaska’s Volcanoes and You! Resources • Alaska Volcano Observatory Preliminary Volcano Hazard Assessments http://www.avo.alaska.edu/downloads/classresults.php?pregen=haz . Begét, J.E., Larsen, J.F., Neal, C.A., Nye, C.J., and Schaefer, J.R., 2005, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Okmok Volcano, Umnak Island, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations 2004-3, 32 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:150,000, accessed June 1, 2010, at http://www.avo.alaska.edu/downloads/classresults.php?citid=4029. Begét, J.E., Nye, C.J., and Bean, K.W., 2000, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Makushin Volcano, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations RI 2000-4, 22 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:100,000, accessed June 1, 2010, at http://www.avo.alaska.edu/downloads/classresults.php?citid=656. Begét, J.E., Nye, C.J., Schaefer, J.R., and Stelling, P.L., 2002, Preliminary volcano-hazard assessment for Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Report of Investigations 2002-4, 28 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:500,000, accessed June 1, 2010, at http://www.avo.alaska.edu/downloads/classresults.php?citid=3380. Coombs, M.L., McGimsey, R.G., and Browne, B.L., 2007, Preliminary volcano- hazard assessment for the Tanaga Volcanic Cluster, Tanaga Island, Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5094, 36 p., 1 sheet. (Also available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2007/5094/.) . Coombs, M.L., McGimsey, R.G., and Browne, B.L., 2008, Preliminary volcano- hazard assessment for Gareloi Volcano, Gareloi Island, Alaska: U.S.
    [Show full text]