Scientists study lava, gases from La Palma volcano
AP Newsroom
November 7, 2021 16:48 MYT
November 7, 2021 16:48 MYT
A house is covered by ash from a volcano as it continues to erupt on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. - AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti
LA PALMA: A team of scientists on Friday studied lava and gases expelled from the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma.
The volcano has been spewing lava, ash and gases for more than six weeks.
The eruption has alternately surged and ebbed since Sept. 19.
On Friday, scientists from Spain's military emergency unit used Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipment to study deposits from the volcano.
Local authorities have told people who live nearby to stay indoors because of a heavy fall of ash that has forced the cancellation of flights and school classes.
Local air quality is "extremely unfavorable" because of high levels of small particles in the air, emergency services belonging to the Canary Islands government said in a statement late on Tuesday.
Scientists have said the eruption could last up to three months.