Underwater volcano creates new island off Tonga

[WhiteTara]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/21/tonga-volcano-island-nuku-alofa

Tonga is between Tahiti and Australia and is in the area called "The Ring of Fire"

The powerful underwater volcano that erupted in the south Pacific this week has created a new island off the coast of Tonga. The eruption, about 39 miles north-west of the Tongan capital, Nuku'alofa, began on Monday, shooting rocks, steam and ash thousands of feet into the air.

Tonga's chief geologist, Kelepi Mafi, said the volcano had two vents, one on a small uninhabited island and another about 100 metres (330ft) offshore. Rock and ash spewing from the sea have filled the gap between the two vents, creating a new land mass measuring hundreds of square metres.

Last night, spectacular columns of smoke and ash were still spewing from the sea, but trade winds blew gas and steam away from the mainland and local authorities said nearby coastal villages were not at risk. Around 36 undersea volcanoes are clustered in the surrounding area.

Radio journalist George Lavaka, who visited the island with a sightseeing group, said the explosions were accompanied by a deep rumbling. "We were close to the island and there was huge explosion and the smoke was coming toward us, and people were yelling 'start the boat, start the boat'," he said. "The smoke stopped 30 metres short of the boat. We were a bit shaken actually."

[graywarrior]

1. OMG, they found LOST!

[WhiteTara]

3. lol

that poor duck!

[fascisthunter]

2. good... a new island to send all free-market Friedmans

[KamaAina]

4. If it weren't in Tonga's exclusive economic zone,

I'd plant a DU banner on it and declare it to be the People's Republic of Skinneria!

[fascisthunter]

7. lol...

Hawaii... oh man. I hope someday to see your state. So many places I want to go.... so little funds and time.

[opihimoimoi]

5. Perfect Place to Exile Bush/Cheney...add Newt to the group

[soothsayer]

6. Tonga needs it cuz the people are soooo big..!