Volcanic eruptions replenished reef
It’s possible that volcanic eruptions in south-west Pacific can save the Great Barrier Reef. Image: Tammy616/iStockphoto Could the pumice that surges into the ocean once a volcano erupts in Tonga or elsewhere in the south-west Pacific save the Great Barrier Reef?World-first research conducted by Queensland University of Technology geologist Dr Scott Bryan indicates that yes, this is not only possible, but could be how the Great Barrier Reef formed in the first place.Dr Bryan and colleagues studied the westward flow or rafting of pumice after volcanic eruptions in Tonga in 2001 and 2006.Pumice forms when frothy molten rock cools rapidly and forms a lightweight bubble-rich rock that can float in water.Dr Bryan said his study found plants and tiny animals including corals latched onto pumice as it was swept by ocean currents towards north eastern Australia."The pumice raft created after the 2006 Home Reef volcano erupted in Tonga initially formed at least...