Although we certainly have some incredible space news again there is exciting news in the world of science for March 2009. Early this month an underwater volcano began erupting in the South Pacific. The underwater volcano located in the South Pacific near Tonga is changing the face of the South Pacific.

Tonga is located in an area called the Ring of Fire because of all the volcanic and earthquake activity in that region. In fact on one of the days the volcano erupted, it set off an earthquake that was felt by New Zealand which is 2,000 miles away from Tonga. People couldn’t feel it exactly, but the scientists could measure the earthquake for many miles around beneath the ocean.

One would think this would be a little thing but environmentally there will be damage and loss of nature. There is also what one would call a new land form being created. As the underwater volcano spews out its smoke and steam to incredible heights over 10 miles high into the sky a rock island of sorts is being created as the molten lava dries out. It took two days for the island to appear.

While people in the nearby areas are safe and sound unlike what might have happened during an on land volcanic explosion, some animals have died. Both birds and fish have suffered from the smoke, ash and lava. On land damage to coconut trees have been reported. The government hopes that it stays safe for people and has warned them not to get too close to the volcano since it is still active.

News for Kids has done a little digging into our history archives for similar stories. We found some news about an early newsmaker that witnessed and shared the events in his personal letters of one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in history. I’ve linked you to the incredible story of The History of Pompeii and its Newsmakers which recounts briefly the history of Pliny the Younger and Pliny the Elder, both scientists in their day. Pliny the Younger had the unique experience of being able to write about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius (an ancient Roman city). Pliny the Younger’s uncle called Pliny the Elder, died in that eruption.

Could you imagine being the first reporter of a volcanic eruption? Can you imagine how you would describe the underwater eruption so that others would know what happened?