- Volcano expert says an eruption could take place in Melbourne at any time
- Professor Richard Arculus said there’s no way of pinpointing where or when
- Melbourne and Auckland, New Zealand exist on a similar volcanic field
A volcano expert says an eruption could happen in Melbourne at any time.
Australian National University professor Richard Arculus said an eruption could theoretically happen in Melbourne or Auckland, New Zealand – but there’s no way of pinpointing exactly where or when.
‘In terms of Melbourne and Auckland, there’s every chance another volcano could blow,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘You could see lava flowing down Bourke Street.’
Professor Richard Arculus of Australian National University said lava could flow down Bourke Street (pictured) in Melbourne
He cited research from Monash University which pointed to a volcanic field existing in Melbourne.
The research analysed an ‘intra-plate basaltic volcanic field’ in south-eastern Australia.
Mr Arculus said a similar field exists in Auckland, a city built on and near 52 volcanoes.
New eruptions can take place at spots where volcanoes have not previously existed.
Mr Arculus said scientists were unable to tell when or where a new volcano would sprout.
A chilling video created as part of research into the effect of volcanoes in Auckland shows the effects of an eruption on the city.
The creators of the video said the projected video was intended to simulate the view from an Auckland lounge.
It shows a massive explosion before rubble and ash soar into the sky, and a huge wave hits the coast and wipes out everything in its path.
Professor Arculus cited research from Monash University which pointed to a volcanic field existing in Melbourne (stock image)