A recent study unveils startling details about the Hunga-Tonga volcano eruption, where ejected rock and ash plunged vertically into the ocean, creating an astonishingly swift and devastating underwater debris flow. Hunga-Tonga, situated in Tonga, forms part of the active Tonga-Kermadec Islands volcanic arc, arising from the collision of the Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. This volcanic island has a history of frequent eruptions, and its latest event underscores the raw power and unpredictability of volcanic phenomena.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Tonga-Kermadec Islands Volcanic Arc: This is a geologic region where the Pacific Plate sinks beneath the Indo-Australian Plate, resulting in volcanic activity. It extends from New Zealand to Fiji and encompasses numerous active volcanoes.
- Subduction Zone: A subduction zone occurs where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to the creation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic activity. In this context, it’s where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Indo-Australian Plate.
- Caldera: A caldera is a large, bowl-shaped depression formed by the collapse of a volcano after a massive eruption. Hunga-Tonga’s volcanic activity is associated with a submerged caldera rim.
- Debris Flow: A debris flow is a fast-moving mixture of rock, soil, water, and volcanic material, often triggered by volcanic eruptions or heavy rainfall. In this case, the eruption caused a highly destructive underwater debris flow.
- Volcano: A volcano is a geological feature that allows molten rock, ash, and gases to escape from beneath the Earth’s surface. Eruptions can vary in intensity, from non-explosive to highly explosive, and can have significant environmental and societal impacts.