I heard on the local radio station that there is a volcano ready to
erupt somewhere north of the island of Saipan. They are reporting that it is
about 40 miles north. Fishermen are giving reports of bubbling water,
dead fish and sulpher smells. They have also put out a tsunami watch for
Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. Do you have any idea what the name of this volcano
might be? How large it is? A team of experts is sceduled to arrive from
Hawaii today.Could this be Esmerelda (sp?) getting ready to blow? Im not
affiliated with any gov agency or educational institution. Im just a
curious mom. Also what are the chances of Guam experiencing effects if
the volcano decides to blow her top????? Thanks in advance for any info
that you may be able to provide.
Karen Heinkel Garland
Hi Karen,
I've heard only second-hand reports of the eruption so I can't tell you much.
I'm sure you are in a better position to find things out. I can at least
tell you that it isn't Esmeralda Banks that is presently active.
Esmeralda is down to the SW of Tinian whereas the present volcano is
apparently between Saipan and Anatahan. On the map of Marianas volcanoes
there is a point there named "Ruby" so it seems possible that it is the
culprit.
I don't know of a recent case where an underwater eruption generated anything
other than waves in its immediate vicinity. That certainly doesn't mean that
it can't happen so I guess the tsunami watch is a good idea. To generate a
tsunami you need to displace a large volume of water (either upward,
downward, or sideways). There aren't too many ways that a volcano that
is already under water might do this (for example it can't send a big
landslide into the sea). I guess if a large part of its flank decided to
fall off during the eruption shaking that might generate a tsunami. If
it decided to erupt in a really big way it might also generate a
tsunami. Usually these underwater volcanoes are mainly a hazard to boats
in the immediate area. In fact, one of the worst tragedies of
volcanology occurred over Miojin Reefs south of Japan when a
research ship went out to study an eruption that was going on and a big
explosion destroyed the ship and killed everyone on board.
If there did happen to be a tsunami (big or small) it would certainly hit all
nearby islands, and there wouldn't be much of a warning. I think the chance
is small, but just in case something does happen it is good to be on guard.
Keep tuned to the radio and good luck!
Sincerely,
Scott Rowland
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