PORT VILA, VANUATU, March 31, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- You will never witness anything as spectacular as when a below-the-ocean volcano erupts, on the South Pacific Ring of Fire. When a below-the-ocean volcano erupts, on the South Pacific Ring of Fire the raw power is readily visible, as incredible clouds of gas, steam, smoke and ash rise up to 25,000 feet in the air. "It's a momentous eruption on a large scale," says Tonga's chief geologist, Kelepi Maf. Scientists believe there are many chambers of magma feeding the erupting volcano.
The volcano started erupting on Monday 16th March, following a succession of earthquakes which hit the local region. Geochemist, Professor Simon Turner, from the Macquarie University, Sydney, says "The quakes and the volcano eruption probably aren't linked. It would mean the magma would have needed to have risen 110k to the surface in a few days and that would be most unlikely."
By the 19th the submarine volcano had expelled so much lava it had created the beginning of a new island, seven miles off the coast of Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga. A large raft of pumice is floating about two miles north of the eruption. This new (ephemeral) island is still covered by smoke.
"Under the ocean volcanoes can be violent and have a huge effect on climate. This currently erupting volcano isn't reaching into the stratosphere yet, but as it continues to grow, that is very definite possibility," Simon Turner says.
The newly formed island could last up to several months, or even some years, before it is eaten away by the motion of waves. It is created from pumice, a kind of rock that is formed when lava and gases erupt in relatively shallow water. The rock becomes fragmented as it rapidly cools. Pumice weighs so light it floats. It is projected that the flotsam and jetsam from the volcanic eruption will flow towards the southern coast of Fiji, obstructing its beaches.
A team of scientists are travelling to the area to monitor the eruption and measure its impact on the region.
A small island was similarly created in October 2006 in an eruption at Home Reef. The new island measure 800 m long by 400 m wide.
Scientists understand that about 75% of the world's volcanic activity occurs underwater in the world's deep oceanic basins, up to depths of 2.5 miles. This makes the eruptions very difficult to detect. An undersea volcanic eruption was first caught on film in June 2008. "It's the first place where we've been able to observe an active volcanic eruption underwater, with a remotely operated vehicle," said Bill Chadwick from the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center, in Newport. "When the eruption is underwater you can detect the action of the gases a lot easier. Gases which are much harder to see in the air. The water pressure checks the intensity of the explosive activity, making it easier to examine the activity much closer up, compared to land volcanoes.
Scientists know that approximately 75% of the world's volcanic activity takes place beneath the sea in the world's oceanic basins, anywhere from the surcease to unchartered depths of 2.5 miles. This makes the eruptions very hard to discover. Undersea volcano eruptions were first caught on film in June 2008. "It's the first time we've been able to monitor an active volcanic eruption underwater, with a remotely controlled vehicle," said Bill Chadwick from the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center, in Newport. "Underwater you can observe the gases a lot clearer, so you get a much better idea of what's actually going on. Gases are difficult to see in the air." The water reduces the power of the explosive eruptions making it easier to monitor them much closer up, compared to monitoring land volcanoes.
Dr Wendy Stenberg-Tendys and her husband are CEO's of YouMe Support Foundation (http://youmesupport.org) providing high school education grants for children who are without hope. Education that will give these children a future and a chance to become whatever their dreams desire, be it scientists, teachers or doctors. Children who are without hope without outside assistance. Feel free to contact Wendy on admin@youmesupport.org
About YouMe Support Foundation
YouMe Support Foundation, Vanuatu, a non-profit making charity, was founded in 2007. YouMe Support Foundation provides non-repayable higher education grants to children from geographically and economically underprivileged areas. YouMe Support Foundation staff and advisers have all been involved in the education system and never underestimate the importance of giving a child the opportunity to gain an education. YouMe Support Foundation will follow the students through their chosen careers choices and where possible encourage the students to use their new found knowledge to improve the life of the community on their home island.
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