Scientists are studying an undersea volcano that has erupted near the south Pacific island of Tonga, halfway between Australia and Tahiti. [GALLO/GETTY]
Published On 19 Mar 200919 Mar 2009
The volcano has been shooting spectacular columns of smoke, steam and ash out of the sea, thousands of meters into the sky. [GALLO/GETTY]
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Authorities say the eruptions do not yet pose any threat to local communities near the site and there have been no reports of marine animals being affected. Strong trade winds have blown the steam and toxic gases away from populated areas. [GALLO/GETTY]
The eruption occurred about 10 kilometers from the southwest coast off the main island of Tongatapu, where up to 36 undersea volcanoes are clustered. [GALLO/GETTY]
The volcano is part of a seismically active region encircling the Pacific known as the Ring of Fire. [GALLO/GETTY]
Geologists say large amounts of pumice coughed up by the erupting volcano is likely to clog beaches on the coasts of nearby islands. [GALLO/GETTY]
