Questions and Answers
What significant event took place at Anak Krakatoa in 2018?
Which seamount is noted for having a 7km-wide caldera that indicates a violent eruption in its past?
What potential hazard could arise from eruptions of large volcanoes like KW-23612?
How wide is the caldera of KW-23612 compared to the calderas of Tonga volcano and Mount Pinatubo?
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What characteristic of KW-23612's caldera is notable aside from its size?
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Which countries might be affected by tsunami waves resulting from an eruption of KW-23612?
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What natural disaster can occur if an underwater volcano in the South China Sea erupts?
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What phenomenon occurred in Singapore as a result of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption?
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What impact can volcanic eruptions have on undersea communications?
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What was the magnitude of the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption compared to the Hiroshima atomic bomb?
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What did Dr. Andrea Verolino and his team conduct research on?
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Which of the following locations was not mentioned as being affected by the tsunamis from the Hunga Tonga eruption?
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What physical effect can erupting underwater volcanoes have on coastal ecosystems?
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What is a potential consequence of tsunamis generated by volcanic eruptions?
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Study Notes
Volcanic Risks for Singapore
- Singapore was previously thought to be shielded from volcanic eruptions and tsunamis but recent research indicates vulnerabilities.
- There are 466 lesser-known undersea volcanoes in the region that could affect Singapore.
- A large underwater volcano in the South China Sea could create tsunami waves that reach Singapore's coasts.
Impact of Volcanic Eruptions
- Volcanic ash could blanket Singapore, similar to the ash fallout from the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, which covered cars and homes in ash.
- Undersea volcanic activity can damage vital subsea cables, leading to internet outages and disruption of financial transactions, impacting Singapore significantly.
Historical Context
- The 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption was hundreds of times more powerful than the Hiroshima atomic bomb, causing far-reaching tsunamis and displacement of people.
- In Peru, the Tongan tsunami caused an oil spill from a tanker, highlighting how volcanic events can have global effects.
Research Findings
- Dr. Andrea Verolino and colleagues from NTU’s Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) mapped 466 submerged seamounts and volcanic islands, discovering that many are ancient and previously overlooked.
- Notable seamounts, like Anak Krakatoa, have caused significant tsunamis in the past, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring.
Specific Threats
- KW-23612, a dormant volcano in the South China Sea, has a 7km-wide caldera, indicating a history of explosive eruptions.
- The caldera is nearly twice as wide as those of notable volcanoes like Tonga and Mount Pinatubo, suggesting potential for powerful eruptions.
- Its shallow summit, just 200m below sea level, poses a significant risk for creating tsunamis that could impact Singapore and nearby countries.
Future Research
- Ongoing research aims to understand the historical activity of these seamounts to assess potential future threats.
- While such volcanic events are rare, the findings urge consideration of disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in Singapore.
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Description
This quiz explores the potential threats of undersea volcanic eruptions and tsunamis to Singapore. Delve into the research that identifies lesser-known volcanoes and their possible impact on the island state. Understand how these natural events can affect the coastal city and its environment.
