Volcanoes have always been a geological wonder for many people. Despite the violence and the destruction caused by volcanic eruptions all over the world, these geological formations continue to astound many people. Its fiery display of fire and volcanic rocks is truly a sight to behold – all one needs to do is to keep a safe distance, of course.
Moreover, there are also volcanoes that are actually underwater. This list is all about this type of volcanoes:
10. Sumatra, Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago. It sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire which is a region in the world that frequently witnesses earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This is because geological activity in this region is at its most active. Sumatra, Indonesia’s largest island, is home to many underwater volcanoes which erupt violently from time to time.
9. Yasur Volcano – Vanuatu
The small Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean is home to this active underwater volcano. This volcano has erupted violently several times in the last 800 years – spewing a gigantic show of lava and volcanic rock. At night, even inhabitants from afar are witness to the volcano’s prowess and amazing light show.
8. Eldfell Volcano – Iceland
Heimaey Island is the home of this volcano. Among European nations, it is actually Italy and Iceland that sees considerable volcanic activity every so often. The eruption of Mt. Eldfell in 1973 was one of its most violent and deadliest – bringing destruction in villages and causing massive loss of property and human lives.
7. Kick ‘Em, Jenny – Grenada
In the depths of the Caribbean Sea, about 8 km off the coast of the nation of Grenada, lies a very active volcano that has erupted many times in the past. Between 1939 and 2001, the Kick ‘Em Jenny volcano has erupted 12 times. Snorkelers and divers are prevented to come near the 5 km radioactive zone within the volcano’s perimeter.
6. Brothers Volcano – New Zealand
This underwater volcano was formed some 51,000 years ago because of a large geologic upheaval. Though underwater, this volcano has a crater that is actually 3 kilometers wide and volcanic walls that measure 300 to 500 meters high. It lies almost 2,000 feet below sea level and is infrequently studied by geologists.
5. Iwo Jima – Japan
Iwo Jima is known more prominently for the island’s role as one one of the fiercest battlegrounds during the second world war. However, not too many people know that it is also home to many underwater volcanoes – some are extinct or dormant, while others are active. A 2005 underwater volcanic eruption was last recorded by geologists studying the area.
4. Molokini Crater – Hawaii
This crater is now a dormant volcano but was very active and destructive many years ago. Today, it is a much visited tourist destination in Hawaii – which is actually an archipelago that was formed due to underwater volcanic activity.
3. Kolumbo – Santorini Island, Greece
The Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea are some of the bodies of water in Europe with considerable underwater volcanic activity. That being said, the Kolumbo is one prime example of an underwater volcano in this area. It has not had a major eruption in the last few decades, but remains to be an active volcano.
2. Barren Island – Andaman Sea
The Andaman Sea is not only home to scattered island and islets that have crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. It is also home to a number of underwater volcanoes such as the one found in Barren Island. Its first recorded eruption was in 1787 and it has erupted around a dozen times again until the present.
1. Coast of Tonga
Tonga is actually one of the world’s smallest countries. It lies between the larger nations of New Zealand and Fiji. Despite its minute size, Tonga is home to many active underwater volcanoes which had erupted not just a few times in recent years. Hunga Tonga is its most active volcano and its last recorded eruption was just in 2009!
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.
Always a real disservice to the public for not reporting and including the Global cause and effect on ocean warming from underwater volcanic eruptions. Both new and continuing along with their locations.