|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
New Zealand is home to several active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes. There are nine active volcanoes in New Zealand, along with one active submarine volcano off the coast. The active volcanoes in New Zealand are Curtis Island, Mount Egmont, Ngauruhoe, Raoul Island, Ruapehu, Tarawera, Tongariro, Whakaari/White Island, and White Island. These volcanoes are located in different parts of the country, and New Zealand is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is known for its volcanic activity.
Scientists from the NIWA-Nippon Foundation Tonga Eruption Seabed Mapping Project (TESMaP) have mapped the immediate aftermath of the colossal eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai in January 2022. This international collaboration involves 13 partners from Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, the USA, and the UK.
The eruption, recognised as the most significant atmospheric explosion on Earth in over a century, expelled nearly 10km3 of seafloor material, unleashing a tsunami with global repercussions. New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) spearheaded the post-eruption scientific expedition aboard the RV Tangaroa, gathering crucial geological data, video footage, seabed imagery, and water column samples over a month-long voyage.
Dr Sarah Seabrook, a biogeochemist at NIWA, underscored the significance of the expedition, emphasising the unparalleled insights it has provided into the profound repercussions of volcanic eruptions on ocean ecosystems. The comprehensive findings of the study illuminate the extensive loss of seafloor life resulting from the eruption, revealing far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate aftermath and significantly impact various marine habitats.
One notable revelation is the protective role of underwater mountains (seamounts), acting as refuges from the seafloor density currents that decimated the area around the volcano while leaving seamounts relatively untouched. Dr Seabrook underscored the significance of these underwater refuges, a phenomenon previously observed on land but has yet to be extensively documented in oceanic environments.
The study not only challenges existing paradigms but also emphasises the need for continued exploration and monitoring of submarine volcanoes. Dr Seabrook pointed out that while survival near seamounts post-eruption is a positive sign, understanding the long-term recovery and potential feedback effects on nutrient and oxygen levels necessitates ongoing research.
Most submarine volcanic eruptions often escape detection or need more comprehensive data before and after the events. Dr Seabrook asserted that this knowledge gap underscores the importance of sustained monitoring and research, not just for the mapped volcanoes in Tonga but also for submerged volcanic systems worldwide.
Dr Isobel Yeo, a volcanologist and lead scientist of the UK segment of the international programme, highlighted the urgent need for expanded research and monitoring of offshore volcanoes globally. She emphasised the potential threat posed by offshore volcanoes to coastal communities and subsea infrastructure.
Dr James Hunt, serving as the representative from the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, underscored the success of the research project, attributing it to international collaborations. The project’s multidisciplinary character necessitated prompt mobilisation and cohesive endeavours, highlighting the significance of cross-border cooperation in gaining comprehensive insights into volcanic hazards.
This achievement not only exemplifies the power of global collaboration in scientific exploration but also reinforces the imperative need for concerted efforts to address complex challenges posed by natural phenomena. The collaborative framework established in this study serves as a model for future international initiatives, emphasising the critical role of united endeavours in advancing our understanding of geophysical events with global implications.
This unprecedented study not only provides critical insights into the immediate impacts of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption but also underscores the necessity of ongoing international collaboration and technological advancements to monitor and comprehend the complex dynamics of submarine volcanic activity.
The findings pave the way for a deeper understanding of volcanic hazards, emphasising the role of digital technology in advancing scientific research. As the scientific community continues to confront intricate challenges, such cooperative ventures are essential for fostering a collective understanding that transcends geographical boundaries and contributes to the advancement of knowledge on a global scale.
