Underwater Eruptions and the Emergence of New Lands

Geophysical Processes and Formation Steps

An underwater eruption occurs when magma reaches the ocean floor, causing intense contact with water. This interaction generates rapid vaporization, forming columns of steam and ash. The magma cools quickly, creating hyaloclastite basalts that accumulate to build a volcanic edifice. Gradually, if the volume of magma is sufficient and the eruption is sustained, the structure may emerge at the surface, giving birth to an island.

N.B.: The term hyaloclastite comes from the Greek hyalo- meaning "glass" and -clastic meaning "broken" or "fragmented". Hyaloclastite basalts are volcanic rocks formed by the rapid cooling of magma in contact with water. This process causes the magma to fragment into glassy grains and angular fragments, constituting a typical deposit of underwater eruptions.

Physical and Thermodynamic Characteristics

When an underwater volcano erupts, magma, which can reach temperatures between 1100 and 1250 °C, meets very cold seawater. This encounter causes instant cooling of the magma, forming fragments (hyaloclastite basalts). These fragments gradually accumulate to build the base of a future volcanic edifice.

The process involves intense heat transfer. The amount of heat exchanged shows how quickly thermal energy is dissipated into the water, causing immediate vaporization and the formation of steam columns.

The interaction between magma and water can also cause phreatomagmatic explosions. These small explosions further fragment the magma, producing fine ash and scoria that facilitate the rise of the volcanic edifice. Over time, if the volume of magma is sufficient and the eruption continues, the structure may emerge at the surface and create an island.

Risks and Environmental Impacts

These eruptions can generate local tsunamis, alter marine currents, and cause temporary acidification of the water. The emissions of volcanic gases, mainly CO2 and SO2, can also affect the atmosphere and surrounding ecosystems.