Photo: geonet/Twitter

Volcanic Eruption in Tonga Sinks an Entire Island, Creates a New One

Tonga Outdoor News
by Eben Diskin Nov 7, 2019

Volcanic eruptions are dramatic events, even when they take place underwater. According to a report by geologists, an undersea volcanic eruption in the Tongan archipelago has sunk an entire island. Not only that, but it has even created a whole new one that’s three times as big.

 

The new island is an estimated 328 feet wide and 1,312 feet long, and it’s located between the islands of Kao and Late in Tonga’s Ha’apai group of islands. The eruption came from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano, and started mid-October. By November 1, geologists noted the new elongated landmass and the disappearance of the island, which was itself created by a volcanic eruption in 1995.

Location of the volcanic eruption in Tonga and the new island it created

Photo: Google Maps

Tonga is no stranger to volcanic eruptions. The Polynesian kingdom sits on the Ring of Fire, an area of volatile seismic activity in the Pacific that’s responsible for the vast majority of the world’s earthquakes.

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