All posts tagged: Volcanic eruption

World’s largest active volcano awakens

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After being dormant for nearly 40 years, the world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, located on the Big Island in Hawaii, has apparently come to life sending a stream of ash into the atmosphere and darkening the skies. According to the US Geological Survey, it erupted late Sunday night, Nov 28, 2022, bringing with it dozens of earthquakes. Though there have been no reports of lava flows from the eruption, the skies turned amber-red because of the ash. Mauna Loa, which last erupted in 1984, is part of a group of five volcanos, located on the largely rural Big Island of Hawaii. The last time it erupted, its lava flows reached within five miles of the city of Hilo. The mention of the sky turning red is reminiscent of the Prophet Joel’s warning of columns of smoke, the iconic symbol of volcanos, that would bring with them fire, blood (death), a red moon and darkened sun. 30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. …

Volcano erupting on Iceland in 2010. Credit: Dagga Billa/Flickr/Creative Commons

Should the US be worried about volcanoes?

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If recent media reports are correct, Americans should be increasingly concerned about volcanoes. Earlier this month, two major North American volcanoes suddenly became active resulting in two governments issuing “Yellow Alerts.” The Mexican government issued a “Yellow Alert” for the country’s Mt. Popocatepetl and the American government issued a similar yellow alert for Alaska’s Great Sitkin. According to the US Geological Survey, there are six levels of alert for active volcanoes: Green: Describes volcanoes with minor levels of activity such as steam and small earthquakes, but are not considered a threat to erupt. Yellow: This designation is for volcanoes that have experienced elevated signs of activity. Explosions have increased from low to moderate. There is a threat of ash falling near the volcano and even the possibility of limited lava flows. Orange Watch: This indicates there is an increased risk of an explosion. Though the time frame is uncertain. Orange Warning: At this level a volcanic eruption is imminent or a minor eruption is already underway. This would result in lava flows and ash production …

Volcanic column of smoke on Hawaii's Big Island taken May 7, 2018 Credit: macprohawaii/US Geological Survey/Flickr/Public Domain

A near asteroid hit and volcanic eruption on Hawaii: Apocalyptic shots across the bow?

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During the 18th century, if a naval ship was unable to recognize an oncoming vessel it would fire a warning shot in the general direction of the ship. Under the law of the sea, the ship receiving the shot was expected to hoist its flag so it could be recognized and respond with a shot of its own. It was form of rudimentary communication between ships. With modern communications equipment, the shot across the bow has taken on a more ominous tone. When naval vessels, such as the coast guard, are pursuing another vessel, they will perform a shot across the bow typically in front of the ship telling it to stop. The shot demonstrates that the fleeing ship is within range, sighted and more importantly the pursuing ship is willing to go the next step if it does not come to heel. One has to ask if the world just received a shot across the bow. According to the Bible’s apocalyptic literature, the end times will be marked by massive asteroids slamming into the …