Is the underwater volcano near Tonga as dangerous as Surtsey?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ivan Seeking
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Underwater Volcano
AI Thread Summary
Scientists are investigating a significant undersea volcano near Tonga that has been erupting for several days, producing impressive columns of smoke and ash that reach thousands of feet into the sky. The eruptions are occurring approximately six to seven miles off the coast of Tongatapu, close to the volcanic islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai. This volcanic activity coincides with a recent 7.9 magnitude earthquake in the region, raising concerns about potential hazards for those documenting the eruptions. The event draws comparisons to the Surtsey eruption in Iceland, highlighting the rare occurrence of underwater volcanic activity.
Ivan Seeking
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
8,194
Reaction score
2,442
Video at the link.

Scientists are on their way to the site of a large undersea volcano that has been erupting for days near Tonga, sending columns of smoke and ash thousands of feet into the sky above the Pacific Ocean.

The spectacular plumes are erupting from the ocean about six or seven miles (10 - 12 km) off the coast of the main island of Tongatapu, near the low-lying twin volcanic islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article5936330.ece
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
Wow that's impressive. Never imagined I would see an underwater volcano erupting in my lifetime.
 
They also had a 7.9 Magnitude earthquake in that area.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009ejbr.php"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
That was utterly majestic. Thanks for the heads up. :!)
 
I wonder what danger the photographers might have been in?

Remember Surtsey, south of Iceland? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surtsey"
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Thread 'Landslide, tsunami, seiche in Tracy Arm fjord, Alaska - 10 August 2025'

On August 10, 2025, there was a massive landslide on the eastern side of Tracy Arm fjord. Although some sources mention 1000 ft tsunami, that height represents the run-up on the sides of the fjord. Technically it was a seiche. Early View of Tracy Arm Landslide Features Tsunami-causing slide was largest in decade, earthquake center finds https://www.gi.alaska.edu/news/tsunami-causing-slide-was-largest-decade-earthquake-center-finds...
View full post »

Thread 'Could an external cosmic body have influenced Earth’s geology?'

Hello, I’m currently writing a series of essays on Pangaea, continental drift, and Earth’s geological cycles. While working on my research, I’ve come across some inconsistencies in the existing theories — for example, why the main pressure seems to have been concentrated in the northern polar regions. So I’m curious: is there any data or evidence suggesting that an external cosmic body (an asteroid, comet, or another massive object) could have influenced Earth’s geology in the distant...
View full post »

Similar threads

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano eruption, Tonga, Tsunami(s)
Replies
41
Views
11K
Vanuatu - East Epi underwater volcano eruption
Replies
7
Views
2K
Active volcanoes in W US and US territories likely to erupt soon
Replies
1
Views
2K
Volcanic (Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai) eruption in Tonga, near Nuku'alofa
Replies
4
Views
4K
Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano eruption - October/November 2023
Replies
1
Views
3K
La Soufrière volcano eruption April 2021
Replies
4
Views
2K
Current volcanic eruptions, Etna (Sicily), Popocatepetl (Mexico)
Replies
0
Views
2K
Are Earthquakes Separated by 30 min & 2,500 miles Linked?
Replies
17
Views
8K
West Mata - Explosive Deep-Ocean Volcano
Replies
1
Views
6K
Writing: Input Wanted What Makes Great Lakes Earth So Geographically Unique?
Replies
6
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top