What happens when an underwater volcano ERUPTS? Horror video shows catastrophe unfold

An Australian geologist who was researching the risk of super-volcanoes in New Zealand had a team of producers create a video simulation of a huge volcanic eruption beneath the surface off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand, to show just how devastating they can be.

The video looks calm as the camera looks out from the bay of Auckland.

But after a few seconds, a huge pillar of black and white smoke bursts out from the ocean.

After the initial shock, a massive black wave storms towards the coast, wiping out everything in its path where land meets water.

The producers of the video said: “This projected sequence was designed to simulate a window view in a purpose-built set of an Auckland lounge room.

“High-end 3D technologies and particle effects were combined with a background plate, creating a realistic rendering of a catastrophic event.

“The result? Happy client, frightened children, de-valued waterfront property.”

The man behind the research for the video, Professor Colin Wilson of Victoria University, Melbourne, won the prestigious Rutherford Medal – the top science award from the Royal Society of New Zealand – for his work in studying the risks of New Zealand super-eruptions.

The Rutherford Medal selection panel said: “Professor Wilson is a world-renowned geologist, whose research has provided profound insight into how volcanoes behave.

“He is a meticulous, insightful and highly productive researcher, who melds acute field observations with advanced analytical techniques.”

Researchers from the University of Canterbury looked at what would happen if there were a two-month-long eruption under the ocean just south of Auckland’s CBD.

They found that the explosion would destroy anything within two and a half kilometres of the eruption, transport networks would come to a complete standstill and a two thirds of the population would become refugees.