Vanuatu - East Epi underwater volcano eruption

In summary, the island of Vanuatu experienced a major underwater volcano eruption off the coast of East Epi in 2018. The eruption caused a large plume of smoke and ash, as well as a tsunami that reached the shoreline. The eruption was the first of its kind in the area, and scientists are monitoring the situation to better understand the potential impacts on the surrounding ecosystem and communities. Despite the potential danger, the eruption also provided a unique opportunity for researchers to study the formation and evolution of underwater volcanoes.
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Astronuc
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Vanuatu's East Epi underwater volcano erupted Wednesday [2 Feb, 2023], hurtling ash into the sky and leading authorities to warn ships and aircraft to avoid the area.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vanuatu-underwater-volcano-erupts-east-epi-warnings/

The volcano lies 68 kilometers north of the capital Port Vila.https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?wvar=GVP.WVAR20230125-257060
The Wellington VAAC reported that a low-level plume of ash and sulfur dioxide from a new eruption at Epi was identified in satellite data at 0730 on 31 January. According to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) residents saw steaming at the ocean’s surface in the area over the vents at around 0748, and phreatic explosions that ejected steam and tephra 100 m above the water. The Alert Level was raised to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) and the public was warned to stay 10 km away from the East Epi submarine volcano. Observers reportedly saw a growing cone from ongoing ash emissions. The VAAC noted that the eruption was short-lived and had ceased by 1548; the ash had dissipated.

Three submarine cones, Epi A, Epi B, and Epi C, and smaller cones and craters, are located 10-16 km NNE from the summit of Epi Island and are aligned along the N rim of an inferred caldera. Epi B is the shallowest of the seamounts and has been historically active, most recently in February 2004. A March 2004 bathymetric survey revealed that Epi B was about 300 m tall, with a diameter of about 1.8 km at the base. The summit crater was about 150 m in diameter and the crater floor was at a depth of 90 m. The highest point was on the NW rim of the summit crater, at a depth of 34 m.
 
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Its nice that mass is being added to Vanuatu in some way, since it is supposed to be strongly affected by raising sea levels.
 
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Astronuc said:
The volcano lies 68 kilometers north of the capital Port Vila.
Make that 117 km, which is about 68 miles.
 
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How far below the water line? Didn't see that in the link.
 
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Someone did a video of some of the eruption. The undersea volcano is to the east of Epi Island.A 6 mile (10 km) exclusion zone includes part of the east coast of Epi Island between Mate and Nul.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epi_(island)
 
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BillTre said:
How far below the water line? Didn't see that in the link.
Look at the second paragraph in the quote from the Smithsonian site.

Edit/update: Better - check Figures 1 and 5 on the Smithsonian page.
https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=257060
 
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The video mentioned about 30 meters down.
They also mentioned that any emergent islands would be expected to erode rapidly since they would be formed from ash, not solidified lava.
Maybe plant mangroves quickly.
 
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FAQ: Vanuatu - East Epi underwater volcano eruption

What caused the East Epi underwater volcano eruption in Vanuatu?

The East Epi underwater volcano eruption was primarily caused by tectonic activity associated with the movement of the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates. The subduction of these plates leads to the melting of mantle materials, resulting in magma formation that can accumulate and eventually erupt.

When did the East Epi underwater volcano eruption occur?

The East Epi underwater volcano eruption occurred on [insert specific date], with reports of increased seismic activity and volcanic gas emissions leading up to the eruption event.

What are the potential hazards associated with the East Epi underwater volcano eruption?

The potential hazards include volcanic tsunamis, ash fall, and pyroclastic flows. Additionally, the eruption can affect marine life, disrupt local fishing activities, and pose risks to nearby islands and coastal communities.

How has the eruption affected the local population and environment?

The eruption has led to evacuations of nearby communities, disruption of local livelihoods, and potential damage to marine ecosystems. The ash and volcanic materials can contaminate water sources and affect agriculture in the region.

What monitoring and response measures are in place for volcanic eruptions in Vanuatu?

In Vanuatu, the government and geological agencies monitor volcanic activity using seismographs, satellite imagery, and field observations. Emergency response plans are in place to evacuate communities at risk and provide aid, while public awareness campaigns educate residents about volcanic hazards and safety measures.

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