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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vanuatu-underwater-volcano-erupts-east-epi-warnings/
The volcano lies 68 kilometers north of the capital Port Vila.https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?wvar=GVP.WVAR20230125-257060
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vanuatu-underwater-volcano-erupts-east-epi-warnings/Vanuatu's East Epi underwater volcano erupted Wednesday [2 Feb, 2023], hurtling ash into the sky and leading authorities to warn ships and aircraft to avoid the area.
The Wellington VAAC reported that a low-level plume of ash and sulfur dioxide from a new eruption at Epi was identified in satellite data at 0730 on 31 January. According to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) residents saw steaming at the ocean’s surface in the area over the vents at around 0748, and phreatic explosions that ejected steam and tephra 100 m above the water. The Alert Level was raised to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) and the public was warned to stay 10 km away from the East Epi submarine volcano. Observers reportedly saw a growing cone from ongoing ash emissions. The VAAC noted that the eruption was short-lived and had ceased by 1548; the ash had dissipated.
Three submarine cones, Epi A, Epi B, and Epi C, and smaller cones and craters, are located 10-16 km NNE from the summit of Epi Island and are aligned along the N rim of an inferred caldera. Epi B is the shallowest of the seamounts and has been historically active, most recently in February 2004. A March 2004 bathymetric survey revealed that Epi B was about 300 m tall, with a diameter of about 1.8 km at the base. The summit crater was about 150 m in diameter and the crater floor was at a depth of 90 m. The highest point was on the NW rim of the summit crater, at a depth of 34 m.
Make that 117 km, which is about 68 miles.Astronuc said:The volcano lies 68 kilometers north of the capital Port Vila.
Look at the second paragraph in the quote from the Smithsonian site.BillTre said:How far below the water line? Didn't see that in the link.
I believe the video refers to the top of the cone of Epi B, which is between Epi A (west of B) and Epi C (ESE of B).BillTre said:The video mentioned about 30 meters down.
The exact cause of the eruption is still being studied, but it is believed to be a result of the movement of tectonic plates in the region. The Vanuatu archipelago is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.
The eruption is considered dangerous for the surrounding marine life and can also potentially cause tsunamis. However, the eruption is not expected to have a significant impact on the nearby islands or on human populations.
It is difficult to predict the exact duration of the eruption, as it depends on various factors such as the amount of magma and gas being released. However, underwater volcano eruptions typically last for a few days to a few weeks.
The eruption can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. On one hand, it can create new habitats for marine life and contribute to the growth of nearby islands. On the other hand, it can also cause damage to coral reefs and other marine ecosystems due to the release of hot lava and gases.
The eruption will be closely monitored by scientists using various techniques such as satellite imagery, underwater cameras, and seismic sensors. This will help to track the movement and intensity of the eruption and provide early warning for any potential hazards.