Tonga Volcano

The Kingdom of Tonga is a group of islands between Samoa and New Zealand. There are several active and extinct volcanoes in and near Tonga. In March 2009, an underwater volcano near the volcanic islands Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai erupted, causing steam and ash to shoot up high in the air over the South Pacific Ocean.The Australian: Tonga on edge as ocean volcano puts on a show (March 20, 2009)

The volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai, near the volcanic islands Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai erupted in March 2009. Authorities said that there was no immediate risk for nearby islands. An earthquake is believed to have caused the eruption, which started on March 16, 2009. The pumice from the eruption could reach nearby islands.The Australian: Tonga on edge as ocean volcano puts on a show (March 20, 2009) Several flights were diverted to avoid the smoke, steam and ash shooting up thousands of meters.Stuff.co.nz: Volcanic eruption disrupts NZ flights (March 19, 2009) In 2002, another volcano erupted in the same area.The Australian: Tonga on edge as ocean volcano puts on a show (March 20, 2009)

A volcano is an opening in the surface of the Earth where hot rock, ash and gases can erupt. Volcanoes that erupt rocks usually form mountains or similar geographical structures. Submarine volcanoes can eventually result in the formation of islands. Most volcanoes are located near tectonic plates.