Marine Resources Assessment for the Marianas Operating ... - SPREP

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
In contrast, volcanoes north of FDM have not subsided below sea level, do not have limestone caps, and
remain active (Baker et al. 1996) with the latest major known eruption (Anatahan; 16°22’N, 145°40’E)
occurring in July 2005 when ash reached an elevation in excess of 12,000 m (Smithsonian Institute 2003;
Volcano Live 2005). Guguan, Alamagan, Pagan (two active volcanoes), Agrigan, Asuncion, and Farallon
de Pajaros have documented volcanic activity spanning from 1883 to 1967 (DoN 2003a; USGS 2005a).
Ruby Volcano and Esmeralda Bank are submarine volcanoes found east of Saipan and Tinian (USGS
2005a). Ruby Volcano erupted in 1966 (Johnson 1973) and then again in 1995 as the surrounding area
experienced submarine explosions, fish kills, a sulfurous odor, bubbling water, and volcanic tremors
(Smithsonian Institute 1995).
The study area experiences numerous shallow to intermediate depth (