Volcanic eruption in Tonga reshaped Pacific seafloor - BBC News

Summary

A massive volcanic eruption off the coast of Tonga in January sent water vapor and ash halfway to space, triggering global tsunami waves. New research has mapped the sea floor, revealing how profoundly it was altered, with debris stretching 80 kilometers. The eruption displaced 10 cubic kilometers of material, equivalent to 4,000 Egyptian pyramids. This event, one of the largest atmospheric explosions in history, offers valuable insights into the destructive potential of underwater volcanoes, with implications for future preparedness.

Takeaways

• 😀 A massive volcanic eruption off the coast of Tonga occurred in January, causing significant geological changes.
• 🌋 The eruption produced an enormous atmospheric explosion, one of the largest in history, comparable to the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.
• 🌊 Tsunami waves caused by the eruption spread across the globe, highlighting its far-reaching impact.
• 🛰️ A new survey mapped the seabed around the eruption site, revealing the extensive damage and changes to the sea floor.
• ⚡ The eruption sent water vapor and ash 53 kilometers into space, illustrating its immense energy and scale.
• 🌍 Scientists estimate that the eruption displaced about 10 cubic kilometers of material, equivalent to 4,000 Egyptian pyramids.
• 🔄 Two-thirds of the material ejected from the volcano was ash and rock, while the remaining third consisted of debris scraped off the sides of the volcano.
• 🌊 The sea floor was severely scarred, with significant debris flows extending up to 80 kilometers across the ocean floor.
• 🧑‍🔬 The eruption's scale exceeded initial expectations, showing how powerful and unpredictable volcanic events can be.
• 🌋 This event serves as a reminder that similar underwater volcanoes exist around the world, underscoring the need for better preparedness and understanding of such disasters.

Q & A

What was the scale of the volcanic eruption off the coast of Tonga in January?

The eruption was immense, with the volcano scattering water vapor and ash halfway to space, and generating tsunami waves that spread across the globe. It also significantly impacted the sea floor, with debris flows extending at least 80 kilometers.

How did the new survey contribute to understanding the eruption's impact?

The new survey fully mapped the area around the volcano, revealing the extent to which the sea floor was sculpted and scarred by the eruption. It highlighted the immense scale of the event, exceeding scientists' expectations.

What was the volume of material displaced by the eruption?

The eruption displaced approximately 10 cubic kilometers of material, which is equivalent to the volume of around 4,000 Egyptian pyramids.

How was the material displaced by the eruption divided?

Two-thirds of the displaced material was ash and rock ejected from the volcano’s opening, while the remaining third consisted of materials scraped off the sides of the volcano and spread across the ocean floor.

How high did the volcanic plume rise into the atmosphere?

The volcanic plume rose 53 kilometers into the atmosphere, making it one of the most dramatic atmospheric explosions in history.

How does the eruption compare to other historical volcanic events?

The eruption was considered extraordinarily powerful, potentially rivaling the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa in terms of dramatic impact.

What lessons can be learned from studying the Tonga eruption?

Studying the eruption helps scientists understand the behavior of underwater volcanoes and may provide valuable insights into how to prepare for future similar events.

Why is the eruption of the Tonga volcano significant for the scientific community?

The eruption is significant due to its unprecedented power and scale, both in terms of the atmospheric explosion and the transformation of the sea floor, offering new data to study volcanic activity.

What makes this volcanic event stand out in recent history?

The eruption's intensity, with the plume rising 53 kilometers and the immense volume of material displaced, makes it one of the most dramatic volcanic events in recent history, particularly in comparison to other major eruptions.

Are there similar underwater volcanoes that could cause similar events?

Yes, there are similar volcanoes lurking underwater off coastlines around the world. Understanding the Tonga eruption may help scientists better prepare for such events in the future.