Scientists have recently made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. This colossal explosion occurred approximately 7,300 years ago and surpassed the previous record set by Indonesia’s Mount Tambora in 1815. Known as the Kikai-Akahoya eruption, this earth-shattering blast took place south of Japan’s Kyushu island, where the Philippine tectonic plate slips beneath the Eurasian plate.
While scientists were already aware of this ancient volcanic event, new research has shed light on its record-breaking scale, solidifying its position as the largest eruption of the current geological epoch. Tim Druitt, a professor of volcanology at the University of Clermont Auvergne in France, expressed his admiration for the study, stating, “The eruption has been known for a long time, but these authors are increasing our knowledge of it a lot.”
Pinpointing the size and cause of the Kikai-Akahoya eruption has proven challenging due to the difficulties in accessing the underwater volcano. However, the researchers behind this study utilized seismic data to create a detailed map of the seabed surrounding the volcano. By drilling into the seabed at various locations with a remote-controlled robot and extracting sediment cores, they were able to gather crucial information.
The sediment cores revealed a layer spanning an impressive 1,740 square miles (4,500 square kilometers) that contained volcanic glass matching the composition and timing of the Kikai-Akahoya eruption. This layer of volcanic debris amounted to approximately 17 cubic miles (71 cubic kilometers) of material ejected into the sea during the eruption. These findings nearly doubled the estimates published in previous research.
Combining these new discoveries with existing estimates of volcanic debris deposited on land, the researchers concluded that the mega eruption expelled a total volume of 80 to 110 cubic miles (332 to 457 cubic km) of material. To put this into perspective, this volume is enough to fill Lake Tahoe in the western United States twice over. As a result, the Kikai-Akahoya eruption is now believed to be the largest eruption of the Holocene Epoch, a geological period that began 12,000 to 11,500 years ago and continues to the present day.
This groundbreaking conclusion has significant implications for our understanding of volcanic activity throughout history. It challenges previous assumptions that the Minoan eruption of Santorini was the largest Holocene eruption. The Kikai-Akahoya eruption surpasses even this famous event, which had long been considered the most significant volcanic explosion of our time.
However, it is important to note that while the Kikai-Akahoya eruption holds the title for the largest eruption in recorded history, it still pales in comparison to more ancient volcanic events. For instance, the cataclysmic explosion of Sumatra’s Toba supervolcano approximately 74,000 years ago released an estimated 1,200 cubic miles (5,000 cubic km) of magma.
This groundbreaking research not only expands our knowledge of past volcanic eruptions but also highlights the immense power and unpredictability of these natural phenomena. The ability to accurately measure and understand the scale of such events is crucial for assessing potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate their impact.
As scientists continue to delve into the mysteries of our planet’s volcanic history, discoveries like the identification of the Kikai-Akahoya eruption serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring forces that shape our world. The study’s findings will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing research and provide valuable insights into the geological processes that have shaped our planet throughout history.
