<
https://theconversation.com/floating-volcanic-rock-is-disrupting-life-in-papua-new-guinea-and-the-problem-will-last-a-long-time-285155>
"People in parts of Papua New Guinea are facing an unusual problem. Floating
volcanic rock is making boat travel difficult, blocking access to fishing
grounds and disrupting daily life in coastal communities.
The source of the pumice is the ongoing Titan Ridge eruption from an underwater
volcano in the Bismarck Sea. Since May 9, the eruption has produced vast
amounts of pumice – a lightweight, porous volcanic rock that floats on the
ocean surface.
Reports from Manus Province in the country’s northeast describe chunks of
pumice accumulating along coastlines and waterways in enormous “rafts” 2–5
metres thick. In some locations, residents report being able to walk where
there was previously open water.
It’s a strange sight, but not an unprecedented one. Submarine eruptions have
produced similarly vast pumice rafts before, and the experience from those
events suggests the disruption facing Manus communities could persist for
months or even years, long after the Titan Ridge eruption itself has ended."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
