This is the moment that a volcano erupts underneath the sea…
Although relatively little is known about them, it’s believed there are over 1 million submarine volcanoes, largely located along the mid-atlantic ridge.
These volcanoes are responsible for producing 75% of the earth’s magma.
Underwater volcanoes are understood to work like their counterparts on dry land.
They form towering mountains submerged well below sea level - some reported to rise as much as 10,000 feet above the seabed.
Whilst it’s relatively rare to see, these eruptions can also create new islands above the water.
On November 14th, 1963, a trawler sailing just south of Iceland noticed a plume of smoke billowing from the sea. Thinking it was a fire on board another ship, they travelled towards what was, in fact an underwater volcano erupting and witnessed the birth of a new island. It was named Surtsey after fire giants of Norse mythology.
Today, the island of Surtsey is a UNESCO world heritage site, and the only people allowed to set foot on it are the scientists studying the ecosystem and geology of this unspoiled isle.
It’s thought that Iceland itself was created in this way by underwater volcanoes, millions of years ago. So whilst it may be rare to see one erupt, these submarine volcanoes have a big part to play in shaping the world above water.
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4 окт 2024
