Submarine eruption near Japan


The plume from submarine volcano Fukutoku-Okanoba, erupting in February 2010.

Almost a year after the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai eruption, where an undersea volcano sprang forth from the deep - quite spectacularly, we have new footage of another undersea eruption. Fukutoku-Okanoba, off the coast of Minami Iwo, started to erupt yesterday (or, at least, erupt enough to manifest a plume out of the ocean). A Japanese coast guard vessel was able to capture the plume on video as it reached 100 m / ~300 feet. The plume appears to be dominated by white steam along with some grey ash mixed in. Additional footage shows the water stained brown/tan with ash and volcanic debris from the eruption as well.

Fukutoku-Okanoba is actually a quite active submarine volcano, last erupting in 2005. The sea is often discolored near the volcano and a number of ephemeral islands have formed due to its activity over the last 100 years - my favorite being Shin-Iwo-jima, or "New Sulfur Island" in 1904. Most of the eruptions appear to be VEI 0-2 based on what manifests at the surface, however the 1904 eruption was VEI 3, producing significant andesitic (intermediate) ash and lava. The summit of the volcano lies only 14 m / ~50 feet below the ocean surface.

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What does VEI 0-2 mean etc. Is there a chart to look at that explains the various designations?

I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 I would like to talk to any one that was there. Call 609-647-1444 Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

By S/Sgt, GW Rosson (not verified) on 03 Apr 2010 #permalink

I would like to hear from any one that was on Iwo Jima.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

By S/Sgt. GW Rosson (not verified) on 09 Jul 2010 #permalink

Interesting photos of Iwo-Jima.

My father-in-law fought in the South Pacific with the marines, on Iwo Jima and elsewhere. On summer holiday one year, I happened to query him about his wartime experiences, about 1985. I remember that his face went blank and he broke eye-contact to look away, clearly signaling that he wasn't prepared to discuss it.

His wife found me later on and while she was smiling, she was visibly upset. She told me never to ask about the war, ever. It always raised horrific memories and these inevitably invoked recurrent nightmares from which he would awake shouting and drenched in sweat, and then he would not sleep for several days for fear of reliving the experiences, again.

My father-in-law had a 35-year career in law enforcement, first in the police and then the FBI; he had seen plenty of 'bad'. He never had problems talking about any of career and had many interesting stories to tell; he was an excellent raconteur.

Whatever personal experiences this man had of the storming of Iwo, it must have been bad enough to cause lasting and severe emotional trauma. I have read and heard similar reports of men who refused to discuss the battle or the aftermath.

I think, Staff Sargent Rosson, that the few Iwo survivors remaining who might read your posts, won't be taking up your offer for contact.

Any one who was on Iwo Jima in 1946 email me on Rosonotes@aol.com. THANKS FOR NOW.
S/Sgt. GW Roson

By Gareth W. Rosson (not verified) on 09 Jul 2010 #permalink

I still have a lot of infro. on Iwo Jima, I need some email on this.( Come on boys )Lets hear from you ALL!!!!! Like I said before I was there in 1946-1947. At that time there were a there. I could write on this for a hour or so and still would have a lot more to say. Call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com Thanks
As ever S/Sgt. GW Rosson

By S/Sgt. GW Rosson (not verified) on 30 Jul 2010 #permalink

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