Holy Smokes! Undersea Volcano Erupts off the Coast of Tonga
March 20th 2009 19:25
A large underwater volcano has been erupting for days off the coast of Tonga. Scientist have traveled to the site to monitor the activity, and say that the blast should not cause any threat to nearby islands.
Tonga, a 170-island archipelago about halfway between Australia and Tahiti, is part of the Pacific "ring of fire" — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones stretching from Chile in South America through Alaska and down through Vanuatu to Tonga.
According to the AP:
Spectacular columns are spewing out of the sea about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the southwest coast off the main island of Tongatapu — an area where up to 36 undersea volcanoes are clustered, geologists said.
Trade winds continued to blow gas and steam away from the island Thursday.
Tonga's police deputy commander Taniela Faletau said coastal villages close to the roiling ocean site were not yet at risk and that no warnings had been issued.
Police were waiting for a government team of officials and scientists to survey the area and report on their observations before taking any action.
Coastal residents said the steam and ash column first appeared on Monday morning, after a series of sharp earthquakes were felt in the capital, Nuku'alofa.
Tonga, a 170-island archipelago about halfway between Australia and Tahiti, is part of the Pacific "ring of fire" — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones stretching from Chile in South America through Alaska and down through Vanuatu to Tonga.
According to the AP:
Spectacular columns are spewing out of the sea about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the southwest coast off the main island of Tongatapu — an area where up to 36 undersea volcanoes are clustered, geologists said.
Trade winds continued to blow gas and steam away from the island Thursday.
Tonga's police deputy commander Taniela Faletau said coastal villages close to the roiling ocean site were not yet at risk and that no warnings had been issued.
Police were waiting for a government team of officials and scientists to survey the area and report on their observations before taking any action.
Coastal residents said the steam and ash column first appeared on Monday morning, after a series of sharp earthquakes were felt in the capital, Nuku'alofa.
| 45 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
