--- In cybalist@..., "tgpedersen" <tgpedersen@...> wrote:
>
> I see on my TV set that Cumbre Vieja, the inactive half of the
> large volcanic Canary Island of La Palma is on the verge of sliding
> precipitously into the sea, causing a huge tsumami; an inescapable
> eventual fate for any such a volcanic island, my TV set assures me.
> Imagine that, I thought, that it is possible for an island just
> outside the pillars of Hercules to disappear under the sea in one
> terrible night, with no further warning than a volcanic eruption?
We have already had that documentary, or a very similar one, on UK
television. It was shown a few years ago. A number of immediate
thoughts are:
(a) Don't bet on it happening in our lifetimes.
(b) While about half the island will slide into the sea, the island
won't disappear.
(c) The popular scientific press, e.g. 'New Scientist' in Britain,
have already warned the insurance industry of the devastation that
will be wrought in the US as a consequence.
(d) The excavation of Atlantis (or its dependent settlements) has
already begun. I think it's where we've long thought it was (Thera?),
and the culture looks Minoan.
(e) Why would tsunami damage force people to emigrate long distances
other than as pirates?
Richard.