Shoot the deepest volcanic explosion in the sea

For the first time in history, images of lava flows erupted at a depth of nearly 1,200 meters below the sea - the deepest volcanic explosion, recorded in the Pacific Ocean.

Image of a volcanic explosion at the bottom of the sea.

The West Mata volcanic explosion occurred last May in an area about 200km southwest of the Samoa Islands. West Mata volcano is about 9km long and 6km wide. The volcanic foot is about 3 km from the sea.

America's robotic submerged ship Jason has dived to depths above 1,100m to record crisp videos during an underwater expedition near Samoa. The videos were published at a geophysical conference in San Francisco on December 17.

Jason's robot arm entered the danger zone to collect specimens.

Images recorded by Jason's ship show that red lava flows have erupted from the volcano, releasing clouds of sulfur-like gas. Lava quickly froze due to cold sea water, forming black stones sinking to the sea floor.

Jason submerged ship approached the explosions and its robotic arm reached the lava to collect samples.

Video of the West Mata volcanic explosion under the sea: