Esmeralda Bank facts for kids
Esmeralda Bank is a special kind of volcano that's completely underwater! It's found in the Pacific Ocean, about 37 kilometers (23 miles) west of Tinian Island. This island is part of the Northern Mariana Islands. Esmeralda Bank sits at the southern end of a long chain of volcanoes called the Mariana Arc.
This underwater volcano has three main peaks, like mountains, lined up from north to south. The tallest peak is about 43 meters (141 feet) below the ocean's surface. It also has a large bowl-shaped area called a caldera, which is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) wide. Around the edge of this caldera are smaller cones, which are like tiny volcanoes growing on the side of the main one.
Scientists have seen signs of activity at Esmeralda Bank. Sometimes, the water above it looks bubbly or changes color. This can happen because of small eruptions or because of hot gas and steam coming out of cracks, which is called fumarolic activity.
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What is a Submarine Volcano?
A submarine volcano is simply a volcano that is located under the sea. When these volcanoes erupt, they can create new land or change the shape of the ocean floor. They are often found along areas where Earth's tectonic plates meet.
Where is Esmeralda Bank Located?
Esmeralda Bank is in the Pacific Ocean. It's part of the Mariana Islands, which are a group of islands in Micronesia. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches and interesting volcanic activity. The Mariana Arc is a long curve of volcanoes that stretches for many miles.
Signs of Activity at Esmeralda Bank
Scientists look for different signs to know if a volcano is active. For underwater volcanoes like Esmeralda Bank, they might see changes in the water.
Bubbling Water
Sometimes, the water above Esmeralda Bank has been seen bubbling violently. This can be a sign that hot gases or steam are escaping from the volcano. It might also mean that magma (molten rock) is moving or that a small eruption is happening.
Water Discoloration
The water around the volcano can also change color. This might happen if minerals or volcanic ash are released into the water. Different colors can tell scientists about the types of materials coming from the volcano.
Fumarolic Activity
Fumarolic activity means that hot gases and steam are coming out of cracks in the volcano. These gases can include sulfur, which might make the water look cloudy or discolored. It's like the volcano is breathing out hot air.
Last Known Activity
The last time people observed clear activity at Esmeralda Bank was on May 26, 1987. On that day, a pilot flying over the area saw water that was bubbling very strongly and had changed color right above Esmeralda Bank. This observation suggested that the volcano was active at that time.
