A marine geologist and researcher at AUT’s School of Science, Dr Ribó (SRAP-NZ representative) joined Australia’s research vessel, RV Investigator, as a guest scientist. She was part of an international research team investigating the evolution of the dramatic Hunga volcano eruption of January 2022, the most powerful volcanic event of the 21st century. The expedition was led by Associate Professor Rebecca Carey from the University of Tasmania.
The Hunga eruption caused widespread devastation above and below the sea, generating tsunamis and sending ash high into the atmosphere. Yet much had remained unknown about the full extent of the seafloor destruction and the processes of ecosystem recovery, which this voyage aimed to investigate.
“The Hunga eruption offered a rare opportunity to study the immediate and long-term impacts of a major volcanic event on the seafloor and surrounding ocean environment,” said Dr Ribó. “By mapping the seafloor and collecting sediment samples and oceanographic data, we hoped to understand how these systems respond and rebuild after such a dramatic disturbance.”
Joining Dr Ribó on board was AUT PhD candidate Hannah St Louis, who embarked on her first large-scale research voyage. During the expedition, Hannah worked on high-resolution seafloor mapping and oceanographic sampling, collecting vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, and other key variables to help characterise conditions around the submarine volcano. These data now form the foundation of her doctoral research on post-eruption dynamics in the region.
“Being part of such a major mission early in my PhD was an incredible opportunity,” said Hannah. “I’ve learned so much from world-class researchers and built collaborations that will shape my scientific career.”
With its combination of seafloor mapping, geophysical surveys, and sediment and oceanographic sampling, the RV Investigator voyage provided valuable insights into one of Earth’s most significant recent natural events.
This research was supported by a grant of sea time on RV Investigator from Australia’s Marine National Facility, operated by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.