| West Mata | |
|---|---|
 Bathymetry map of West Mata | |
 | |
| Summit depth | −1,174 m (−3,852 ft)[1] |
| Height | ~2,900 m (9,514 ft)[2] |
| Location | |
| Group | Mata volcanic group |
| Range | Tofua volcanic arc |
| Coordinates | 15°06′00″S 173°45′00″W / 15.10000°S 173.75000°W[1] |
| Country | Tonga |
| Geology | |
| Type | Fissure vent |
| Last activity | 2016[3] |
| History | |
| Discovery date | 2008[1] |
West Mata is an active submarine volcano located in the northeastern Lau Basin, roughly 200 km (124 mi) southwest of the Samoan Islands. It is part of the Tonga-Kermadec volcanic arc, which stretches from the North Island of New Zealand to Samoa. The volcano was first discovered in 2008 by scientists aboard the R/V Thompson research vessel, using sonar mapping and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to explore the seafloor. At the same time West Mata was discovered, multiple neighboring volcanoes—most of them hydrothermally active—were discovered as well, including Volcano O, Tafu-Maka, Northern Matas and East Mata.[4]
At the time of exploration, West Mata was the deepest undersea volcano eruption ever recorded, nearly −1,200 m (−3,937 ft) below the surface of the ocean. Following this record eruption, several research expeditions have been conducted to study the volcano and its history. Its study has provided important insights into the geology, chemistry, and biology of hydrothermal vents, as well as the dynamics of submarine volcanic systems.[5] The eruption was the deepest volcanic eruption ever found until 2015 when a segment of the Mariana Back-Arc erupted, producing lava flows and plumes.[6]
- ^ a b c "West Mata". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
- ^ Murch et al. 2022, p. 3.
- ^ Chadwick Jr. et al. 2019, p. 14.
- ^ Merle, S. G.; Embley, B.; Lupton, J.; Baker, E.; Resing, J.; Lilley, M. (2008). Northeast Lau Basin, R/V Thompson Expedition TN227, November 13-28, 2008, Apia to Apia, Western Samoa (PDF) (Report). NOAA. p. 34. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "Deep Ocean Volcanoes". Ocean Today NOAA. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
- ^ "Eruption of the world's deepest undersea volcano". EarthSky. 25 October 2018. Archived from the original on August 18, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2023.