You might think that the images below depict a bird’s nest – but no, this is actually lava from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano.
Named after the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, Pele, “Pele’s Hair” refers to thin strands of volcanic basalt glass that range from light yellow to slightly black, formed into delicate fibers due to the physical pulling of molten lava during eruptions. It most commonly forms during explosive eruptions, as very fluid basalt lava is stretched while flying through the air. This phenomenon can also occur in lava falls or during vigorous lava flows.
Pele’s Hair is a form of lava. It is named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes. It can be defined as volcanic glass fibers or thin strands of volcanic glass.
The strands are formed by stretching molten basalt glass from lava, typically from lava fountains, lava falls, and vigorous lava flows. Winds often carry these lightweight strands into the air, dispersing them several kilometers away from the vent. Pele’s Hair is commonly found in high places such as treetops, radio antennas, and utility poles.
Due to weather effects, Pele’s Hair can take on a yellowish hue, resembling human hair or dry straw. It sparkles in sunlight, and each strand varies significantly in length, typically ranging from 5 to 15 cm, with some strands reaching up to 2 m. Their diameters range from about 1 to 300 µm (0.001 to 0.3 mm), and they are correspondingly lightweight.
Pele’s Tears are a form of Pele’s Hair. They can provide volcanologists with valuable information about eruptions, such as temperatures and the pathways of magma to the surface. They begin to crystallize from the magma of Pele’s Hair at around 1,160 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the shapes of the tears can indicate the eruption’s velocity, while gas bubbles and particles trapped within them can provide clues about the composition of the magma chamber.
Achneliths (a form of Pele’s Tears – small, black, glassy structures) are often found attached to one end of individual strands, and sometimes multiple strands are attached to clusters of achneliths. They provide volcanologists with critical information about eruptions, such as temperature and the pathway of magma to the surface. The shapes of the tears can also offer an indication of the eruption’s velocity, while gas bubbles and particles trapped inside can reveal insights into the composition of the magma chamber.
Volcanic hair thinner than one mm, with some strands as thin as human hair, can reach lengths of up to 2 m. They are so lightweight that they are often carried by the wind to places many kilometers away, getting stuck on treetops, utility poles, or radio antennas.
Outside of Hawaii, Pele’s Hair is also produced by other volcanoes around the world, including in Nicaragua (Masaya), Italy (Etna), Ethiopia (Erta ‘Ale), Norway, and Iceland. It typically forms in ground voids, primarily near vents, ocean entrances, or in corners where it can accumulate.
Pele’s Hair is not only found in Hawaii. It can also be found near other volcanoes worldwide, such as Nicaragua (Masaya), Italy (Etna), Ethiopia (Erta’ Ale), and Iceland, where it is known as “nornahár” (“witch’s hair”). It is usually found in ground voids, mainly near vents, skylights, ocean entries, or in corners where Pele’s Hair can accumulate. It should not be touched, as it is very brittle and sharp, and small fragments can penetrate the skin. Gloves should be worn when handling it.
Volcanic hair is not only found in Hawaii.
Volcanic hair is not limited to Hawaii; it can be found in many other volcanoes around the world. Pele is known as the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, dance, and volcanoes. There are many versions of the legends about Pele’s first arrival in the Hawaiian Islands, but it is believed that Pele’s spirit resides in the Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. Pele appears as a spirit in many forms and is regarded as an omen of misfortune. Most native Hawaiians say they have encountered her at least once.
Strands of lava are often lifted into the air by winds, traveling several kilometers away from the vent. Pele’s Hair is frequently found in high places such as treetops, utility poles, and radio antennas.
Life Under Glass Rain
If Pele’s Hair were to rain down daily, the initial impact would be a significant change in lifestyle. Just a light drizzle would necessitate robust umbrellas to protect oneself from the sharp glass shards. Movement would also become more hazardous while driving in glass rain, as it could scratch windshields, damage wipers, and obscure visibility.
The danger doesn’t stop there. These glass strands can cling to skin, causing itching and rashes. When attempting to remove them, they may break into smaller pieces, making removal more challenging. If glass accidentally gets into the eyes, it can lead to painful and uncomfortable sensations. Wearing protective eyewear and eye protection would become an essential habit when venturing outside.
Worse yet, if these glass fibers are inhaled, they can irritate the lungs, particularly dangerous for those with asthma or other respiratory issues. While it may not lead to cancer, prolonged exposure to airborne glass could have serious health consequences, prompting everyone to equip themselves with high-filter masks to avoid inhaling them.
Strands of witch’s hair, like the one shown here, have been discovered falling to the ground near the Holuhraun lava field just north of the Vatnajökull glacier cap in Iceland.
Terrible Environmental Impacts
Not only humans face the dangers of volcanic glass rain, but animals are also at risk. When glass strands accumulate on the ground and in water sources, animals may inadvertently ingest them, causing internal injuries. Livestock and wildlife are at a higher risk of being affected, leading to disruptions in the food chain and ecosystem.
Human drinking water is also unsafe. These glass strands are too small to be completely filtered out by standard water filtration systems, potentially entering the body through food and drinking water, causing harm to the throat, stomach, and digestive tract. In severe cases, those affected may require emergency surgery to remove them.
Adapting and Recycling Volcanic Glass
Although the prospect of glass rain sounds frightening, there are ways for humans to adapt. Instead of just avoiding, we can develop methods to collect and recycle these glass strands. With properties similar to mineral wool – a common insulating material in construction – Pele’s Hair could be utilized as an alternative insulating material, contributing to building a more sustainable resource.
Glass rain can damage homes, vehicles, and buildings.
However, life under these glass rains would be fraught with challenges and dangers. A moment’s lapse in self-protection could lead to painful cuts or even long-term health issues. Therefore, while recycling glass may offer benefits, surviving through these sharp rains remains a significant challenge for humanity.
Volcanic glass rain, or Pele’s Hair, could make our world a much more dangerous place. From altering daily habits to potential health risks, this scenario is not just a beautiful natural phenomenon but also a survival challenge for humanity. If this were to become a reality one day, humans would have to learn how to adapt and utilize every resource to survive.
