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Volcano Explodes Under Water
March 20, 2009Ash and steam shooting from the open ocean create quite a site, but it's nothing uncommon in the midst of the "Ring of Fire," off the coast of Tonga.
Scientists have sailed to inspect an undersea volcano that has been erupting for days near Tonga.
It's shooting smoke, steam and ash thousands of feet into the sky above the South Pacific ocean.
Geologists said spectacular columns are spewing out of the sea about six miles from the southwest coast off the main island of Tongatapu. Up to 36 undersea volcanoes are clustered in the area.
Authorities said the eruption doesn't pose any danger to islanders at this stage. There have been no reports of fish or other animals being affected. They said this type of thing is common.
"This is not unusual for this area and we expect this to happen here at any time," said Keleti Mafi, Tonga's geological service head.
Trade winds continued to blow gas and steam away from the island. But geologists said pumice from the volcano will clog nearby beaches in the coming days.
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.
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