A series of undersea volcanoes in the South Pacific has been erupting all this week, sending a steady stream of smoke and ash high into the sky. Scientists are now sailing near the volcanoes — located amidst a set of islands known as Tonga, between Australia and Tahiti — to get a closer look at the eruption.
Tonga Volcanic Eruption: The Latest
The Tonga volcanic eruption began Monday and has been continuing ever since. Thirty-six volcanoes are actually under the water’s surface just off the coast of Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu. Scientists don’t believe the activity will endanger any people or animals in the surrounding communities.
Officials in the area say they’re waiting on the government team’s full report before they decide what, if any, warnings they will issue. Several earthquakes have already occurred since the eruptions began.
Tonga is considered part of the “ring of fire” because of the high amount of earthquake and volcanic activity common to the area.
Tonga Volcanic Eruption Video
The following video shows some of the Tonga volcanic eruption:
Tonga Map
You can get a better idea of where Tonga is located on this interactive map from Google Maps . There is also a static Tonga map with more location information here .
