Rare “4-year-old” island in the past 150 years surprises scientists
Instead of being submerged by the waves and disappearing completely just a few months after appearing like the vast majority of other cases, an island formed from a volcanic eruption in the Pacific Ocean has stood firm for more than 4 years and caused much curiosity among scientists!
Four years ago, a massive plume of smoke more than 9 kilometers high suddenly appeared in the sky over the South Pacific. A few weeks later, satellites recorded an underwater volcanic eruption.
What is special is that this geological phenomenon has led to the formation of a new island, located between two long-existing islands of the Kingdom of Tonga. Scientists have named this young island Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai.
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Recently, a group of scientists from the Sea Education Association and NASA set foot on this nearly 5-year-old island for the first time and what they recorded here really surprised the experts.
Specifically, right on the young black volcanic soil, a rich ecosystem has emerged, most notably pink flower carpets, nests of terns and owls.
In addition to studying the flora and fauna of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai, the team also paid special attention to the geology of the area. Typically, islands formed by volcanic eruptions only last a few months before they flood and disappear completely into the sea. However, Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai is an exception.
After nearly five years of existence, Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai has become one of only three new islands formed in the last 150 years to survive for more than a few months.
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Scientists collected rock samples to analyze their mineral composition, in order to get a more detailed look at the young island's geology, as well as predict its ability and level of future erosion, from the Pacific Ocean's huge waves.
“The surface of the island is mainly covered with a type of black gravel the size of beans and the terrain here is not as flat as the satellite images show,” said Dr. Dan, a representative of the research team.
In addition, field observations also show that the island has been rapidly eroded by rains and the most noticeable consequence is the formation of coves and bays.
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Once enough data is collected, the team will build a 3D map of the island and try to understand what processes have helped the island withstand large waves over the years, instead of being submerged like many other new islands.
Studies of this unusual island are expected to provide previously unknown information about how continents gave rise to new landmasses. In the long term, this knowledge could also become the “key” to gradually unraveling the mystery of the geological history of Mars.
