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Published May 16, 2018

Smoke Enemas, Secret Acoustic Engineering, Volcano Traps Lighthouse

Rachel Feltman and Sarah Chodosh delve into the bizarre history of smoke enemas as a 1700s resuscitation technique, the intriguing role of sound engineering in consumer products, and the captivating interplay of volcanic forces with landscapes, featuring hidden lava caves in Auckland and a lighthouse stranded by volcanic activity in the Azores.
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  • Auckland Caves

    The hidden lava caves of Auckland present a mysterious and intriguing aspect of the city's volcanic landscape. explains that these caves are often stumbled upon during construction, leading to the installation of manhole covers for access, although entry is discouraged to preserve their geological sanctity 1. shares her experience exploring these caves, describing the humid environment created by the porous volcanic rock, which allows water to seep through, creating a unique subterranean ecosystem 2.

    You can actually see how the lava was moving inside the cave while you're there, which is really wild.

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    These caves, with their ghostly shapes and hidden entrances, continue to captivate those who learn about them.

       

    Stranded Lighthouse

    The story of a stranded lighthouse in the Azores highlights the dramatic impact of volcanic eruptions on local geography. recounts how a 13-month-long eruption in 1957 created new land, burying the lighthouse's first story under ash and displacing 300 homes 3. This event led to significant social changes, with many residents relocating to the United States, facilitated by senators including John F. Kennedy 3.

    It was this massive eruption that was studied very intently at the time.

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    The eruption's legacy persists, with the barren landscape and remnants of the lighthouse serving as a reminder of nature's power.

       

    Volcanic Lightning

    Volcanic lightning is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs during certain types of eruptions. describes how volcanic eruptions, like the one in the Azores, can create explosive reactions when lava meets water, resulting in ash being shot into the air 4. This type of eruption, known as a Surtseyan eruption, was named after a similar event in Iceland that formed the island of Surtsey 4.

    Volcanic thunder is a thing. This was not a volcanic thunder kind of eruption, but it is also a thing.

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    These eruptions not only reshape landscapes but also contribute to our understanding of volcanic activity and its potential hazards.

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