Comparison of the 2019 White Island Eruption and the 2018 Kilauea Eruption

Eruption Style (2019 White Island vs 2018 Kilauea)

The eruption styles of the 2019 White Island volcano and the 2018 Kilauea volcano differ significantly. The eruption at White Island, located in New Zealand, primarily involved phreatic eruptions, which are steam-driven explosions that occur when water comes into contact with hot volcanic material. These types of eruptions can be sudden and explosive, producing ash and pyroclastic material. In contrast, Kilauea's 2018 eruption was more prolonged, characterized by both explosive events at the summit and effusive activity, where lava flows inundated large areas, particularly in the Leilani Estates.

Scale and Duration (2019 White Island vs 2018 Kilauea)

The scale and duration of the eruptions also differ markedly. The 2019 White Island eruption was relatively short-lived. Though brief, it resulted in significant ash emissions and the tragic loss of life due to the presence of tourists on the island. In comparison, the 2018 Kilauea eruption lasted several months, from May to August, involving extensive lava flow activity that destroyed over 700 homes and significantly altered the local landscape.

Geological Context (White Island vs Kilauea)

The geological context of both volcanoes is another distinguishing factor. White Island is a stratovolcano located within the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand. It's known for its frequent activity, having been labeled as one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes. On the other hand, Kilauea is a shield volcano characterized by broad, gently sloping sides. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and has had a long history of eruptions, dating back millions of years.

Human Impact (2019 White Island vs 2018 Kilauea)

The impact of these eruptions on human populations is also vastly different. The eruption at White Island had immediate and tragic consequences, leading to fatalities and injuries among tourists and workers on the island. In contrast, while the 2018 Kilauea eruption had broad impacts on local communities, leading to the displacement of residents and extensive property damage, it did not result in immediate loss of life due to the successful evacuation efforts.

Monitoring and Response (2019 White Island vs 2018 Kilauea)

Lastly, the monitoring and response efforts during both eruptions differ. The 2019 White Island eruption caught many off guard due to its occurrence during a period of heightened tourist activity. While monitoring was ongoing, the eruption's sudden nature posed significant challenges for response efforts. In contrast, the 2018 Kilauea eruption was preceded by significant seismic activity, allowing for better monitoring and the establishment of evacuation protocols. These preparations helped mitigate human casualties to a considerable extent.

Conclusion

Overall, while both the 2019 White Island eruption and the 2018 Kilauea eruption are significant volcanic events, they exhibit differences in their eruption mechanisms, scale, geological context, and impacts on human populations. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for better preparedness and anticipating the consequences of such natural disasters globally.