A stunning volcanic eruption from the Kavachi volcano, often called the “sharkcano,” was recently spotted from space. This incredible event showed a large plume of unusual, discolored water shooting up into the Pacific Ocean.
Kavachi is located near the Solomon Islands and is known for its frequent eruptions. What makes it particularly fascinating is its vibrant underwater life, which includes species like the scalloped hammerhead and silky sharks that thrive in its harsh, acidic environment.
Kavachi is one of the busiest submarine volcanoes on the planet. It sits about 15 miles south of Vangunu Island. While its peak reaches about 3,600 feet, it’s mostly submerged, located just 65 feet below the ocean’s surface. The volcano is named after a sea god from local mythology, emphasizing its cultural significance in the region.
NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite captured incredible imagery of this volcano on May 14, 2022, showing a massive plume erupting. This eruption was part of a series of activities that started in October 2021 and continued for several weeks. Since then, volcanic activity has persisted, with more plumes observed as recently as August 2023 and predictions of continued eruptions in April 2024, as noted by the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program.
What truly surprises scientists is the unique life within the volcano. In 2015, researchers found that scalloped hammerhead and silky sharks were swimming in the active crater, seemingly unaffected by the extreme conditions. The waters are superheated, acidic, and full of volcanic particles, a habitat most marine creatures would avoid. Experts believe these sharks may have developed a way to sense when eruptions are likely, allowing them to escape to safer waters.
Kavachi erupts in a manner known as phreatomagmatic, where magma interacts with seawater, causing steam explosions. These eruptions mix boiling water, ash, rock fragments, and lava, creating dark, murky waters. Such explosive activity can even lead to the formation of temporary islands, some up to half a mile wide, that vanish just as quickly as they appear. A similar phenomenon occurred in Japan in 2023.
With Kavachi’s ongoing activity, future eruptions are highly likely. Local residents often report seeing steam and ash rise from the ocean, indicating the volcano’s persistent restlessness. These findings challenge our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and the adaptability of marine life. Scientists continue to study Kavachi to uncover how these creatures survive in such extreme conditions.
For more detailed insight, you can explore research on underwater volcanoes and their impact on marine life at Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program.
Check out this related article: Experience the Spectacular Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse: All You Need to Know | Weather.com
Source link