Sunday, February 12, 2023

Not exactly tomorrow, but still

 

When Greek (or Roman/Italian) volcanoes go boom, they can occasionally go BIG boom.

As in ... Pompeii getting wiped out by Vesuvius.

Or most of Minoan civilization getting smashed by Thera (the remnants of which are known as Santorini). 

So now there's Kolumbo.

Kolumbo is located near the aforementioned Santorini, but it's underwater.

So here's the problem.

Hidden Magma Chamber Reaching Critical Point 'Poses Serious Threat'

"Scientists, who have published a study on the chamber in the American Geophysical Union's Geochemistry, Geophysics, and Geosystems, have determined that the magma chamber under Kolumbo increases the chances of a future eruption. They believe it could reach a critical point in the next 150 years and pose a "serious threat."
"Kolumbo could potentially produce a highly explosive eruption. Scientists compare it to the recent eruption of Hunga Tonga, which last erupted in January 2022 and caused tsunami waves up to 66 feet high.

Scientists report that a Kolumbo eruption could be more destructive than the recent Tonga eruption due to its close proximity to Santorini—which is a well-known tourist destination. Popular hotspots on the island are only 4 miles from the volcano.

As the volcano is also in a shallow area of the sea, lying 1,600 feet below the surface of the ocean, this could make the explosion even bigger.

Underwater volcanoes like this have the potential to cause destructive tsunami waves as well as ashfall.

Although an explosion does not appear imminent, the findings of the study show scientists that the area needs increased monitoring."
That's probably a good idea.


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