Undersea volcanic eruption near Papua New Guinea visible from space
An undersea volcanic eruption that began in the Bismarck Sea off Papua New Guinea has been captured by satellite. Local authorities reported a sudden spike in sea-surface temperatures over a 14 km zone. No tsunami warning was issued, but shipping traffic has been redirected.
An undersea volcanic eruption that began in the Bismarck Sea off Papua New Guinea has been confirmed via the thermal signature captured by satellites in orbit. According to ABC News, the eruption is taking place around 70 nautical miles north of the island of New Britain.
Papua New Guinea's Geological Survey said sea-surface temperatures are running about 7 degrees Celsius above normal over a roughly 14 km zone, with visible gas bubbles at the surface. Active fishing vessels have been moved out of the area, and the Papua New Guinea Ports Authority has temporarily rerouted shipping traffic.
No tsunami warning has been issued; however, the survey team said a possible small-scale tsunami would be reassessed if the eruption migrated to shallower water. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has set up a supplementary satellite monitoring link to Bougainville to follow atmospheric conditions in the region. Local residents have been advised to stay away from the coast.
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