11-Jan-2018: Largest volcanic eruption in the ocean uncovered in New Zealand

Researchers have found evidence of world's largest deep ocean volcanic eruption in New Zealand. Named as Havre, the deep ocean volcanic eruption was first noted in 2002. A solidified volcanic rock known as pumice raft - 400 square kilometres in size - was found floating in the ocean near New Zealand in 2012 showed that underwater eruption had occurred.

The eruption involved 14 aligned vents causing a "massive rupture". When this rock was produced by the volcano, it rose through the water column onto the sea surface and then it was dispersed by wind and sea currents.

For the study, the team successfully mapped the remote location with submersible vehicles including a remotely operated vehicle and an automated underwater vehicle to make high resolution topographic maps of the sea floor. With more than 80 per cent of the world's volcanoes located underwater, scientists believe it's vital to learn more about them.

Volcanoes provide heat and chemicals to the ocean and that input is actually really important when it comes to sustaining life.