Speaker: Marcus Chaknova, Graduate Student, Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Oregon
Topic: Under the surface; a multidisciplinary approach to submarine volcanic deposits from Hunga volcano, Kingdom of Tonga
Submarine eruptions are often viewed under a biological or geological ‘hand’ lens. Micropaleontology techniques adapted from turbidite studies and biological oceanographic techniques adapted from past eruptions have provided a backbone to apply an interdisciplinary approach to large scale submarine eruptions. The January 15, 2022 eruption of Hunga volcano (Kingdom of Tonga) is an opportune case study to apply such an approach.
The record-breaking eruption of Hunga volcano produced a 58 km tall plume1, 20 m tall tsunami2, and a pressure wave that propagated around the world3. Beneath the ocean surface massive columns of hot, dense gas produced submarine flows of rapidly cooling volcanic ash that destroyed submarine telecommunication cables and travelled over 100 km to the neighboring Lau Basin. Evidence of benthic and pelagic transport can be observed in the micro-planktonic composition of the volcanic deposits. Evidence of ash transported through the atmosphere via the eruptive plume can be observed through bio-oceanographic remote sensing. This combination of micropaleontologic, oceanographic and geologic approaches provide a unique view into the syn-eruptive environment of the eruption.
Sedimentation produced by the Hunga volcano eruption selectively buried proximal and distal benthic communities in a >100km radius.3 This is the first observation of ash deposition at these ecosystems, so their potential for recovery is unknown4. Such findings have implications for volcanic impact on deep-sea ecosystems recovery and succession. This is critical to develop baseline outcome predictions following future eruptions as well as responses to anthropogenic impacts such as trawling and deep-sea mining.
Dial-In Information
call +1-971-247-1195 US Meeting ID: 945 5573 1151
Password: 972587
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Hatfield Marine Science Center, Marine Studies Building Auditorium
2030 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365
Free
Cinamon Moffett
541-867-0126
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