An undersea volcano, aptly named Rumble lll, has partly collapsed, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) says.
The west side of the volcano, on the Kermadec Ridge, 200km northeast of Auckland, collapsed over the past several years, reducing its height by 120 metres, Niwa marine geologist Richard Wysoczanski said.
The collapse was confirmed during an oceanographic voyage during May and June this year.
"Our seabed is a lot more active than we thought," Dr Wysoczanski said.
"These volcanoes, as well as the non-volcanic ridges, can also cause landslides that could potentially generate a tsunami that would impact on New Zealand."
Dr Wysoczanski said the first leg of the voyage focused on geophysical surveying of the Kermadec Arc seafloor and seafloor massive sulphide deposits that sometimes develop over hydrothermal vents.
Rumble lll is one of more than 30 large submarine volcanoes on the Kermadec Arc which are rich in iron, lead, zinc and copper.
"We are investigating these volcanoes and mineral deposits to determine their size and the biological communities they support," Dr Wysoczanski said.
SOTT
SIGNS
OF THE
TIMES
OF THE
TIMES
Welcome to Sott.net
The World for People who Think
