Stromboli online research project "Pele's hair"

In December 2006 Roberto Carniel undertook a brief research project into the formation and metamorphosis of the volcanological phenomen commonly referred to as Pele's hair. Comparative studies including eruptive products from Erta Ale volcano, Ethiopia, Mauna Kea's East Rift zone on Hawaii and other volcanoes suggest that morphology, texture and colour hue and saturation undergo gradual changes over periods of several years. Imagery of sampling techniques and data acquision is presented here. Some preliminary results are given in the photo captions below.

Sampling at Erta Ale volcano proved, bejond any reasonable doubt, that the goddes Pele has, contrary to common belief, fair hair. Protective gloves are needed due to the extreme brittlenes of the samples taken.

As ageing progresses, brittleness seems to decrease, thus facilitating plating of Pele's hair. Subtle colour shifts were also detected: A general tendency towards greying seems to be present.

Dynamic phenomena relating to Pele's hair are demonstrated at this location. Catabatic winds lead to the development of arcuate structures, not usually present at lower wind speeds.

Note that in this particularly interesting scene, more mature hair seems to stand on end, while hair less affected by maturing processes has a tendency towards hanging down.

Dynamic bahaviour of Pelee's hair necessitates countermeasures, particularly in an office or domestic environment. Buns, firmly held in place by a blue elastic band, are a reliable solution.

Special thanks are due to the field assistants who took part in the study and provided invaluable logistical and moral support in the field. Copyright: Stromboli online. 01/04/2007