In recent news, the Fukutoku-Okanoba Submarine Volcano, located in the Pacific Ocean, off Japan, has experienced a significant explosion. The event follows an earlier increase in seismic activity and ground swelling reported at Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano. This fascinating and sometimes dangerous geological phenomenon has sparked interest, prompting an exploration into the characteristics, functioning, and impact of submarine volcanoes.
Characteristics and Details of the Eruption
Situated approximately 25 metres below sea level, the Fukutoku-Okanoba Submarine Volcano is about five kilometres north of Japan’s South Iwo Jima Island. Remarkably, the eruption resulted in a plume that extended 16 kilometres above the surface – a significant threat to aviation and maritime routes.
The spectacle was unusual for a submarine volcano, as the plume jumped straight from being submerged to reaching the lower stratosphere. Typically, eruptions from underwater volcanoes result in lower-level plumes.
In addition to these spectacular displays, the eruptions and submarine hydrothermal activities typically lead to water discoloration in the surrounding area. Throughout the course of its eruptions, this active volcano has also created several temporary new islands.
Introduction to Submarine Volcanoes
Submarine volcanoes, as their name suggests, are volcanoes found beneath the ocean’s surface. These geological formations have created hundreds of islands worldwide, from Hawaii to Indonesia to Iceland.
Despite their impressive size and potentially destructive power, they often behave quite differently from their land-based counterparts. One crucial difference can be seen in the way they erupt.
The Unusual Behavior of Submarine Volcanoes
Unlike terrestrial volcanoes, which often have explosive eruptions, it is rare for submarine volcanoes to develop similarly. The immense weight of the overlying ocean water results in very high pressure, generally causing passive lava flows across the ocean floor known as pillow lavas.
Given this underwater environment and the pressure exerted by the overlying water, most submarine eruptions do not disturb the ocean surface significantly. This is a stark contrast to the violent eruptions witnessed from land-based volcanoes, which are capable of altering landscapes and causing widespread destruction.
The Impact of Submarine Volcanoes
Despite their subdued eruptions, submarine volcanoes can have a profound impact on both their local environments and the planet as a whole. Their eruptions often lead to discoloration in the surrounding ocean waters and can even contribute to the formation of temporary or permanent new landmasses.
The recent eruption of the Fukutoku-Okanoba Submarine Volcano serves as a stark reminder of the immense power and global distribution of these hidden giants. Although they remain largely out of sight, their activities can have dramatic effects, making them a crucial aspect of global geological processes.