In this episode, a huge submarine volcano erupts, breaks the surface of the ocean, and forms a new island. What happens next?

Guests:

Tracy Gregg, associate professor of geology at the University at Buffalo

Rebecca Carey, senior lecturer at the University of Tasmania

Paraskevi V. Nomiku, assistant professor of geological oceanography at the University of Athens

Gianpierro Orbasano, Tongan photojournalist and explorer

Michael Bates, Prince of Sealand

James Grimmelmann, professor of law at Cornell Tech

Further reading:

The largest deep-ocean silicic volcanic eruption of the past century

Tsunami hazard risk of a future volcanic eruption of Kolumbo submarine volcano, NE of Santorini Caldera, Greece

Volcanic ash as fertiliser for the surface ocean

The Submarine Volcano Eruption off El Hierro Island: Effects on the Scattering Migrant Biota and the Evolution of the Pelagic Communities

What is law of the sea?

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Principality of Sealand: Nation Building by Individuals

Sealand, Havenco and the Rule of Law

Hunga Tonga volcano eruption forms new S Pacific island

This episode was suggested by listener and long-time friend of the show Charlie Loyd.

Flash Forward is produced by me, Rose Eveleth. The intro music is by Asura and the outtro music is by Hussalonia. The episode art is by Matt Lubchansky.

If you want to suggest a future we should take on, send us a note on Twitter, Facebook or by email at [email protected]. I love hearing your ideas! And if you think you’ve spotted one of the little references I’ve hidden in the episode, email us there too. If you’re right, I’ll send you something cool.

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That’s all for this future, come back next time and we’ll travel to a new one. 

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