Underwater volcanoes generate a lot of energy they would be capable of powering a whole continent, a study has discovered. Submarine volcanoes litter the seabeds of the world, but the eruptions were thought to be less joyful than the terrestrial explosions with lava moving slowly and the absence of ash clouds.
Megaplumes
However, a new study discovered underwater eruptions do generate ash clouds which in turn powers megaplumes of hot water that disperse upwards and then outwards. These megaplumes have been noticed before now with researchers recognizing how far and fast they locomote, moving about forty million Olympic-sized swimming pools of water.
Although, their root and the mechanism manufacturing them has stayed a mystery. Scientists from the University of Leeds produced a mathematical model to unravel their origins and discovered they form quickly during the eruption of lava. Information on the location and size of ash deposits was inserted into the model and a computer regenerated the dynamics that would lead to its formation.
The researchers says this showed that to produce these underwater ash deposits and to power the megaplumes, the volcanic eruptions must discharge huge energy equivalent to the power use of the whole US.
Volcanic Activity on Earth Occured Underwater
A mathematician at the University of Leeds, Dr. Sam Pegler said: "Our work provides proof that megaplumes are connected directly to the eruption of lava and are in charge of transporting volcanic ash underwater, It also reveals that plumes must have developed in a matter of hours, producing an immense rate of energy discharge".
Dr David Ferguson, from the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Leeds, says a greater number of the volcanic activity on earth takes place underwater, mainly at depths of some kilometres in the deep ocean but, in contradiction to terrestrial volcanoes, even noticing that an eruption has taken place on the seafloor is very challenging.
Therefore, there remains much for researchers to gain knowledge about the submarine volcanism and its consequences on the marine environment.The birth of volcanoes occurring underwater in the Indian Ocean in 2019 is thought to have brought about a succession of strange quakes that were felt all over the world.
National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Short bursts of seismic activity were noticed by sensors up to 10,000 miles away from the site of the 'submarine volcano' close to the French Island of Mayotte. Experts at France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), needed to clarify where the small quakes which cause the island to tremble came from, located between Africa and Madagascar.
As stated by the French Geological and Mining Research Bureau, the group found a new 'submarine volcano' located 50 km (31 miles) away. Earthquakes are noticed by tracking the magnitude or size and intensity of the shock wave they create, called seismic waves. The magnitude of an earthquake is different from its intensity.
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