New Tongan Island Forged By Volcanic Eruption Just Had A Hefty Growth Spurt

Home Reef Volcano: A New Island Emerges and Expands in Tonga

In News:

The Home Reef submarine volcano in the Central Tonga Islands has produced a new island that continues to expand following fresh eruptions between December 2024 and January 2025.

Key Facts:

• The island first emerged in September 2022 due to volcanic activity at Home Reef.
• After the latest eruptions, satellite imagery from February 2, 2025, revealed the island had expanded by 3.7 hectares, reaching a total area of 15.9 hectares (39.3 acres).
• This marks the fifth island to form at the Home Reef site since 1852. Previous islands formed in 1852, 1857, 1984, and 2006 — all of which eventually eroded away.
• The 2006 island, which lasted about nine months, had cliffs up to 70 meters high before submerging.
• The current island has already surpassed that lifespan, aided by effusive lava flows forming harder rock, making it more resistant to erosion.
• Home Reef lies within the Tonga-Kermadec Arc, a tectonically active chain of about 80 submarine volcanoes, including the Taupo supervolcano.

Static Part:

• Submarine Volcano: A volcano located beneath the ocean surface. Eruptions from these can form islands when magma cools and solidifies upon contact with seawater.
• Effusive Eruption: A volcanic eruption characterized by the outpouring of low-viscosity lava that flows steadily rather than exploding violently. This type produces denser, more durable landmasses.
• Ephemeral Island: A temporary island formed by volcanic or sedimentary processes that eventually erodes or submerges under oceanic forces.

Significance:

• Demonstrates active geological processes within the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone.
• Offers insights into island formation, volcanic monitoring, and plate tectonics.
• Shows how satellite observation aids in tracking volcanic evolution and environmental changes.

Updated - February 22, 2025 ; 10: 10 AM  | IFL Science