Volcanic Eruptions | Deadly Volcanoes In Hawaii, Iceland, The Philippines| | WION Wideangle

Summary

The video explores the global surge in volcanic activity, highlighting recent eruptions in places like the Philippines, Iceland, Alaska, Indonesia, and Hawaii. It discusses the scientific relationship between volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, emphasizing the risks posed by the Pacific Ring of Fire. The script delves into various volcanic events, such as eruptions in Iceland and Indonesia, and the potential effects of climate change on volcanic activity. It also explores efforts to monitor and predict eruptions, questioning if we're truly prepared for these natural disasters. The narrative blends recent events with geological insights, raising awareness of the dangers of volcanic eruptions.

Takeaways

• 😀 A volcanic eruption occurred in the central Philippines on April 8, sending ash 4,000 meters into the sky.
• 😀 A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted, threatening the town of Grindavik and prompting the closure of a tourist destination.
• 😀 The Alaska Volcano Observatory issued a warning about the increased likelihood of an eruption at Mount Spur in the next few weeks or months.
• 😀 Mount Marappi in Indonesia erupted, sending ash 1.5 km above its peak, one of the country's most active volcanoes.
• 😀 A viral moment occurred when a travel content creator posed with the erupting Ducono volcano in Indonesia, sparking debate about the risks.
• 😀 The Pacific Ring of Fire is home to 75% of all active volcanoes and 90% of earthquakes, making the area highly prone to volcanic and seismic activity.
• 😀 Indonesia, located along the Ring of Fire, experiences frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to tectonic plate movements.
• 😀 Hawaii's Kilauea volcano resumed erupting in March, creating lava fountains that reached heights of up to 700 feet.
• 😀 The Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupted in March 2025, prompting the evacuation of nearly 1,000 people from nearby areas.
• 😀 The Hunga Tonga eruption in January 2022 was one of the largest volcanic events in recent history, hundreds of times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.

Q & A

What causes volcanic eruptions?

Volcanic eruptions are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. As plates move, they create subduction zones where one plate is pushed beneath the other. This process generates magma, which rises to the surface, resulting in a volcanic eruption.

Are volcanic eruptions and earthquakes related?

Yes, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are often interrelated. Both are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Earthquakes can sometimes trigger volcanic eruptions if the volcanic system is already primed with enough magma and pressure. Conversely, volcanoes can also induce earthquakes through the movement of magma.

Why is volcanic activity increasing across the planet?

While volcanic activity has remained relatively stable over the past few decades, there are periods of heightened volcanic activity due to natural geological processes. The recent frequency of eruptions might seem concerning, but it aligns with historical patterns observed over the past century.

How are earthquakes linked to volcanic eruptions?

Earthquakes can trigger volcanic eruptions if certain conditions are met. If a nearby earthquake is strong enough and a volcano is already primed with eruptible magma, the seismic activity can trigger the eruption. Additionally, volcanic eruptions can cause earthquakes by moving magma through the Earth’s crust.

What is the Ring of Fire and why is it significant?

The Ring of Fire is a region encircling the Pacific Ocean, characterized by intense seismic activity, including frequent earthquakes and volcanoes. It is home to 75% of the world's active volcanoes and about 90% of the world's earthquakes, making it one of the most geologically active regions on Earth.

Can volcanic eruptions contribute to climate change?

Volcanic eruptions release gases like CO2 and ash into the atmosphere, but the contribution to climate change is minimal compared to human activities. According to NASA, human activities have a far greater impact on the carbon cycle than all volcanoes combined.

What is isostatic rebound and how does it relate to volcanic eruptions?

Isostatic rebound occurs when the removal of a heavy ice sheet allows the land beneath to rise slightly. This can ease pressure on magma chambers and potentially trigger volcanic eruptions. This process has been observed in areas like Antarctica, where melting ice sheets might cause volcanic activity.

What is the volcanic explosivity index, and how does it help measure eruptions?

The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is a scale that measures the explosiveness of volcanic eruptions based on the volume of erupted materials, the height of the eruption, and the amount of damage caused. For example, the 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga was rated a VEI of 5, which is considered very large.

What was the significance of the Hunga Tonga eruption in 2022?

The Hunga Tonga eruption in 2022 was one of the most explosive volcanic events in recent history, producing an explosion hundreds of times more powerful than the Hiroshima atomic bomb. The eruption caused tsunamis and significant global atmospheric effects.

What challenges do scientists face in predicting volcanic eruptions?

Predicting volcanic eruptions is complex and uncertain because it involves monitoring numerous factors, including seismic activity, gas emissions, and magma movement. Many volcanoes are not well-monitored, and eruptions can occur unpredictably, making forecasting challenging.