4 ms·

Does anyone with knowledge about volcanoes have context on how big this is? Clearly not small, but is this a once-in-a-decade or a once-in-a-lifetime size explo

Does anyone with knowledge about volcanoes have context on how big this is? Clearly not small, but is this a once-in-a-decade or a once-in-a-lifetime size explosion? Are there any well-known eruptions to compare it to (e.g. Mount St. Helens)?

hugh-avherald 5y ago
It's unknown precisely (still erupting), but it's probably not even the largest eruption in the last few months.
Robotbeat 5y ago
Probably between VEI 4 and 6 inclusive. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_Explosivity_Index https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_Explosivity_Index
- hliyan 5y ago
  It is believed that the mystery eruption of 1808 originated in the same area. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1808_mystery_eruption https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1808_mystery_eruption
miedpo 5y ago
Not a volcanologist here but I've always loved volcanoes. It's probably gonna depend on how long it keeps erupting. Volcanic eruptions are rated (VEI index) on volume of material ejected, but each level has 10x more material than the previous. If this were a volcano on land... I'd guess we are at a 4 or so. As this is a volcano that just barely breached the surface and thus interacts with water alot... maybe a 3? Volcanoes like this create really violent explosions (like the ones heard yesterday), but that doesn't necessarily require more material. As said though, it'll be hard to tell without knowing how long the eruption went on and seeing the state of the island.
scottatron 5y ago
According to https://theconversation.com/why-the-volcanic-eruption-in-tonga-was-so-violent-and-what-to-expect-next-175035 https://theconversation.com/why-the-volcanic-eruption-in-ton... this one is pretty much right on schedule for an eruption of this size every ~1000 years.
- vba616 5y ago
  I initially misinterpreted this. After checking the link, it seems it is saying this event is a 1 in 1000 year event for this volcano, not for the world in general. I guess it could be both, but they don't appear to be saying that.

hugh-avherald 5y ago

It's unknown precisely (still erupting), but it's probably not even the largest eruption in the last few months.

Robotbeat 5y ago

Probably between VEI 4 and 6 inclusive. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_Explosivity_Index https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_Explosivity_Index

hliyan 5y ago
It is believed that the mystery eruption of 1808 originated in the same area. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1808_mystery_eruption https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1808_mystery_eruption

miedpo 5y ago

Not a volcanologist here but I've always loved volcanoes. It's probably gonna depend on how long it keeps erupting. Volcanic eruptions are rated (VEI index) on volume of material ejected, but each level has 10x more material than the previous. If this were a volcano on land... I'd guess we are at a 4 or so. As this is a volcano that just barely breached the surface and thus interacts with water alot... maybe a 3? Volcanoes like this create really violent explosions (like the ones heard yesterday), but that doesn't necessarily require more material. As said though, it'll be hard to tell without knowing how long the eruption went on and seeing the state of the island.

scottatron 5y ago

According to https://theconversation.com/why-the-volcanic-eruption-in-tonga-was-so-violent-and-what-to-expect-next-175035 https://theconversation.com/why-the-volcanic-eruption-in-ton... this one is pretty much right on schedule for an eruption of this size every ~1000 years.

vba616 5y ago
I initially misinterpreted this. After checking the link, it seems it is saying this event is a 1 in 1000 year event for this volcano, not for the world in general. I guess it could be both, but they don't appear to be saying that.