Geologist plans dive to test underwater volcano theory off SA
Hydrogeologist Ian Lewis plans a dive to collect samples that could prove an underwater volcano erupted off South Australia's coast.
Three unusual reefs found off Beachport in the 1960s during oil and gas surveys might not be limestone. The reefs could be lava flows from an underwater volcano, says Mount Gambier geologist Ian Lewis.
If the theory holds, the volcano would be Australia's youngest eruption. The volcano may be linked to the state's largest earthquake in 1897.
Lewis wants to dive to the reefs, located about 20 kilometres offshore. He will go to depths of up to 45 metres.
He plans to gather rock samples for testing. The pattern of nearby volcanoes on the Limestone Coast suggests one erupts roughly every 10,000 years.
These volcanoes are moving progressively westward, which would make Beachport a likely next location. Fishers have reported small bubbles surfacing near the reefs.
This is another possible sign of volcanic activity beneath the seafloor.
- 20 kilometres
- Distance offshore
- 45 metres
- Maximum dive depth
- 1897
- Largest SA earthquake
- Roughly every 10,000 years
- Volcanic eruption interval
Why it mattersProving an underwater volcano would rewrite what we know about Australia's most recent volcanic activity and geological history.
AustraliaIf confirmed, South Australia would host evidence of the continent's youngest volcano, a major geological discovery for the region.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 8 d ago
