Vog is a form of air pollution that results when sulfur dioxide and other gases and particles emitted by an erupting volcano react with oxygen and moisture in the presence of sunlight. The word is a portmanteau (combination of two or more words) of the words "volcanic", "smog", and "fog". The term is in common use in the Hawaiian islands, where the Kīlauea volcano, on the Island of Hawaiʻi (aka "The Big Island"), has been erupting continuously since 1983. Based on June 2008 measurements, Kīlauea emits 2,000–4,000 tons of sulfur dioxide every day.The Big Island is approximately 200 miles from Oahu, but when Kona winds blow (instead of Trade winds) the entire state can be affected. Several people at New Life mentioned this condition last weekend. It isn't visible on Hawaii, so when I heard the word "vog" I thought they were saying "fog" and looked for a marine layer!
We flew home last night and were greeted with Santa Ana winds. I thought about running this morning, I was awake around 6:30. I wanted to get a trail run in, but as I laid (or is it lay?) there in my warm cozy bed, I listened. The wind was howling! It was shaking the house. When I finally got up, I checked the weather app and it was blowing 19 mph with 46 mph gusts! I know one thing, the trail run would have been an adventure. Maybe tomorrow...
Trade Winds blow most of the time in the Islands, bringing a gentle cooling effect and pineapple mist (light rain).
Kona Winds blow from the south bringing vog and hot, sticky weather.
Santa Ana Winds blow in the Southland and typically bring hot, dry weather.
Can you guess which one I like best?
