The United Nations (UN) Office for Disaster Risk Reduction on Tuesday, January 23 raised the alarm in Asia and Alaska as the Pacific Ring of Fire is confirmed “active.”
The UN agency posted on Twitter the simultaneous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in four countries last Tuesday. In the Gulf of Alaska, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 led to a tsunami alert. In Japan, the eruption of Mount Kasatsu-Shirane killed one person and injured at least 11. Java, Indonesia was also struck with a magnitude 6 earthquake. Mayon Volcano in Albay continues to spew lava and ashes.
The Pacific Ring of Fire
The Pacific Ring of Fire is a term used to describe a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It runs from New Zealand, all the way to the West Pacific through the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, extending all the way to the West coasts of North America and South America.
Why monitoring the Ring of Fire important?
The Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for 452 volcanoes which is 75% of all active and dormant volcanoes worldwide. About 90% of the strongest volcanic eruptions and approximately 81% of the world’s most damaging earthquakes have taken place along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Some experts says no need to fret
As volcanic eruptions and earthquakes rumble in the Pacific Ring of Fire, some experts and scientists discuss on whether or not there is a reason to panic.
Prof Chris Elders, a geology expert from Curtin University in Australia, says the recent activity is “entirely normal”. Dr Janine Krippner, a New Zealand volcanologist also agreed and noted that the rate of eruptions around the Pacific Ring have “not recently increased."
— Sally, The Summit Express
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| Mayon Volcano explodes as seen from Camalig, Albay on January 23 | Photo Courtesy: Facebook: Ezra Acayan |
The UN agency posted on Twitter the simultaneous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in four countries last Tuesday. In the Gulf of Alaska, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 led to a tsunami alert. In Japan, the eruption of Mount Kasatsu-Shirane killed one person and injured at least 11. Java, Indonesia was also struck with a magnitude 6 earthquake. Mayon Volcano in Albay continues to spew lava and ashes.
The Pacific Ring of Fire
The Pacific Ring of Fire is a term used to describe a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It runs from New Zealand, all the way to the West Pacific through the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, extending all the way to the West coasts of North America and South America.
 |
| The Pacific Ring of Fire is a chain of volcanoes and tectonic activities | Photo Courtesy: BBC |
Why monitoring the Ring of Fire important?
The Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for 452 volcanoes which is 75% of all active and dormant volcanoes worldwide. About 90% of the strongest volcanic eruptions and approximately 81% of the world’s most damaging earthquakes have taken place along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Some experts says no need to fret
As volcanic eruptions and earthquakes rumble in the Pacific Ring of Fire, some experts and scientists discuss on whether or not there is a reason to panic.
Prof Chris Elders, a geology expert from Curtin University in Australia, says the recent activity is “entirely normal”. Dr Janine Krippner, a New Zealand volcanologist also agreed and noted that the rate of eruptions around the Pacific Ring have “not recently increased."
— Sally, The Summit Express
