Podcast
Questions and Answers
What significant event took place at Anak Krakatoa in 2018?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
