Scientists Rush to Erupting Pacific Undersea Volcano

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Scientists Rush to Erupting Pacific Undersea Volcano

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Scientists Rush to Erupting Pacific Undersea Volcano 0_62_volcano_tonga_boom

March 18: Huge clouds of steam and ash shoot into the air near the Tongan island of Tongatapu in the South Pacific.

March 18: Huge clouds of steam and ash shoot into the air near the Tongan island of Tongatapu in the South Pacific.

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga — Scientists sailed Thursday to inspect an undersea volcano that has been erupting for days near Tonga — shooting smoke, steam and ash thousands of feet (meters) into the sky above the South Pacific ocean.

Authorities said Thursday the eruption does not pose any danger to islanders at this stage, and there have been no reports of fish or other animals being affected.

Spectacular columns are spewing out of the sea about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the southwest coast off the main island of Tongatapu — an area where up to 36 undersea volcanoes are clustered, geologists said.

Trade winds continued to blow gas and steam away from the island Thursday.

Scientists Rush to Erupting Pacific Undersea Volcano 0_42_volcano_tonga_boom

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