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Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
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Volcanic eruptions and the global subsea telecommunications network
Michael A Clare1, Isobel A Yeo1, Jacob Nash1,2
1Marine Geoscience, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK.
Bulletin of Volcanology
|June 6, 2025
Summary
Volcanic eruptions pose significant threats to vital submarine communication cables, especially in remote island communities. Analyzing past events reveals diverse damage mechanisms and informs strategies to enhance network resilience and utilize cables for hazard monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Volcanology and Seismology
Background:
- Submarine fibre-optic cables are critical for global digital communication, carrying over 99% of data traffic.
- Remote island communities heavily depend on these cables for essential services like telemedicine and e-commerce.
- Volcanically active regions pose a significant risk to subsea communication infrastructure, as demonstrated by the Tonga incident.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive analysis of subsea cable damage caused by volcanic events worldwide.
- To document the diverse impacts and mechanisms of volcanic hazards on submarine communication systems.
- To identify lessons learned for improving telecommunications resilience and explore the use of cables as hazard sensors.
Main Methods:
- Compilation and analysis of historical case studies of volcanic events impacting subsea cables.
- Examination of diverse volcanic phenomena, including tsunamis, pyroclastic density currents, lahars, landslides, and power outages.
- Correlation of damage extent with volcano morphology, location, eruption characteristics, and depositional processes.
Main Results:
- Volcanic damage to subsea cables results from secondary hazards occurring during and after eruptions.
- No specific explosivity threshold for cable damage was identified; however, factors like steep slopes and proximity to coastlines are significant.
- Case studies include events in Indonesia (Krakatau), Martinique (Mount Pelée), Montserrat, Grenada (Kick 'em Jenny), Japan (Miyake-jima), and St. Vincent (La Soufrière).
Conclusions:
- Enhancing telecommunications resilience requires understanding the diverse impacts of volcanic hazards on subsea cables.
- Subsea cables can potentially serve as valuable sensors for improving volcanic hazard monitoring, especially in remote areas.
- Proactive strategies are needed to mitigate risks to critical subsea communication infrastructure in vulnerable regions.
Keywords:
Marine geohazardsSubmarine cablesTelecommunications infrastructureVolcanic eruptionVolcanic hazardsMore Related Videos
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