ExploringActive Volcanic Regions: Prelude
Volcanoes are breathtaking wonders of nature, capable of putting on an awe-inspiring show, like the ash cloud that spewed from Mount Ruapehu in '96. New Zealand, home to many types of volcanoes, from dormant giants like Taranaki and Taupo to the active White Island and Mt Ruapehu. Even our biggest city, Auckland, nestles atop a volcanic field.
The Pacific Ocean is teeming with volcanoes too, including the massive Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapa underwater one. Recall the devastation caused by its eruption in January 2022? It's had scientists scratching their heads, trying to figure out what they can learn about predicting future submarine volcanic eruptions.
Research is ongoing to understand more about these natural beasts. Meet four Kiwis scientists, each studying a different aspect of volcanology. Do volcanoes have a defined magma chamber? Professor Richard Price from the University of Waikato thinks not. His research proposes a new model for magma occurrences beneath volcanoes. Associate Professor Darren Gravley from the University of Canterbury has discovered a pair of massive caldera eruptions that happened within just days of each other. One formed Lake Rotorua, while the other, Ōhakuri, erupted just 30 kilometres away. This is rare, as large caldera eruptions usually happen every 50,000 years. What's special about New Zealand and these events? Could it happen again?
Mt Eden, a scoria cone volcano, last erupted around 16,000 years ago. Now standing tall at 196 metres, it's the highest natural point in Auckland. Over the years, it has served as a pa site and a quarry. Another Kiwis scientist is Professor Jan Lindsay from The University of Auckland. Her job is to anticipate volcanic eruptions in Auckland – and quickly – to save lives and protect businesses. Helping her is Associate Professor Phil Shane, who analyzes rock core samples to learn about the volcanic history of Auckland.
Join us as we embark on a journey to explore New Zealand's volcanoes and their violent past. For the brave, you can even try your hand at making a volcano in your backyard. From sandpit calderas to making lava fudge, there's an activity for everyone to learn about volcanic formation and beyond. And, for the tech-savvy, don't miss the online games Magma Drillers Save Planet Earth and Magma Pop – a virtual magma chamber.
But what do we really know about volcanoes? We're doing our best to unravel their mysteries, thanks to scientists like our four New Zealanders. Want to learn more? Check out The Conversation's article on how volcanoes influence climate and how their emissions compare to ours. And keep an eye out for updates from our geological surveys and research institutions; you never know what exciting discoveries might be around the corner.
- Science plays a significant role in understanding the behaviors of volcanoes, with researchers like Professor Richard Price and Associate Professor Darren Gravley making groundbreaking discoveries.
- The impacts of volcanoes extend beyond the general news and shocking events like the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapa eruption in 2022; they also have a profound impact on climate and our emissions, as demonstrated in articles published by The Conversation.
- Education and self-development can come in various forms, such as online games like Magma Drillers Save Planet Earth and Magma Pop, which offer insights into volcanic formation, or even by creating DIY backyard volcanoes for hands-on learning.
- Technology is instrumental in modern volcanology, with scientists like Professor Jan Lindsay and Associate Professor Phil Shane using cutting-edge methods to analyze rock core samples and anticipate potential volcanic eruptions in Auckland.
