I see in the news reports that when the lava hits the ocean there is a spray of HYDROCHLORIC ACID. I don't see any way HCl can be formed. Acid, yes. H2SO3 yes. But not HCl. Any comments? Thanks.
search "hcl formation from lava reaction"
apparently dissolved gasses in the lava play a major role
The formation of hydrochloric acid (HCl) during volcanic eruptions occurs due to specific conditions and reactions. While it is true that volcanic eruptions produce various acids, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid can also be formed through different processes. Here's an explanation of how hydrochloric acid can be created during volcanic eruptions:
1. Volcanic gases: During eruptions, volcanoes emit a mixture of gases, including water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and hydrogen chloride (HCl). These gases are released from the magma as the volcano erupts.
2. Water vapor and hydrogen chloride: As lava reaches the ocean, it encounters vast amounts of water. The intense heat causes the seawater to rapidly vaporize, producing large amounts of water vapor. This water vapor reacts with the hydrogen chloride gas emitted from the volcano, resulting in the formation of hydrochloric acid.
The reaction can be represented as follows:
H2O (water vapor) + HCl (hydrogen chloride) → HCl (hydrochloric acid)
3. Acidic nature: Hydrochloric acid is highly acidic, which is why it can cause damage and harm. When hydrochloric acid is formed from the reaction mentioned above, it can contribute to the acidic properties observed in the ocean spray during a volcanic eruption.
Therefore, it is possible for hydrochloric acid to be formed when lava contacts the ocean, due to the reaction of water vapor with the hydrogen chloride gas released from the volcano. This process generates the acid spray that you mentioned in the news reports.