Why have earthquakes and violent volcanic eruptions suddenly increased in activity?
The Ring of Fire
[1]Why have earthquakes and violent volcanic eruptions suddenly increased in activity? The vast majority of these earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are along the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is a string of volcanoes and sites of seismic activity, or earthquakes, that wraps around the edges of the Pacific Ocean. Nearly 90 percent of all earthquakes on earth occur along this Ring of Fire, and the ring is dotted with 75 percent of the most active volcanoes on earth, so that is why the Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world. The Ring of Fire is the result of plate tectonics. Tectonic plates are titanic slabs of the earth’s crust, which all fit together like pieces of a puzzle, however, the plates are not fixed, meaning they are constantly moving atop a layer of solid and molten rock called the mantle. Sometimes these plates collide, move apart, or slide next to each other and the result is an earthquake, but also volcanic activity. Earthquakes is a daily occurrence around the Ring of Fire.
Warnings From Scientists
Scientists are warning the public that two volcanoes in the United States could soon erupt. There is one in Alaska and the other is in Hawaii, but they are also monitoring with heightened interest one in the state of Washington. Mount Adams, which is the largest in the state, was rocked by a series of small earthquakes recently, so scientists are keeping a close eye on it. The reason they’re so concerned is this 12,000 foot volcano is considered high risk. It is very capable of triggering landslides, debris avalanches and mudslides. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions such as the many that strike the nation of Japan can have cataclysmic results. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a preliminary magnitude of 6.9, so Japan’s geographical positioning along the “Ring of Fire” contributes to its susceptibility to seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.
The Land Vomits Out the People
Does the increased volcanic and earthquake activity have anything to do with humans? I don’t mean global warming, but I mean the weight of sin placed upon the land. God warned ancient Israel to obey Him and not fall into idolatry, otherwise, “the land vomit you out when you make it unclean, as it vomited out the nation that was before you” (Lev 18:28). Sadly, Israel failed to heed God’s warning and the “land became unclean, so that I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out its inhabitants” (Lev 18:25). Yet a third time, God warms Israel, “You shall therefore keep all my statutes and all my rules and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out” (Lev 20:22). Of course, the land won’t literally vomit them out, but it’s as if the creation is groaning under the weight of sin.
The Creation Groans
[3]Destruction of Jerusalem by Ercole de’ Roberti (1850).
We groan and moan as we get older. At least I do, so I guess I’m being biblical, but so too does the creation groan. It’s not that the creation is tired, but it eagerly waits for the revealing of the children of God and the new creation of a new heaven and earth. Paul says that “we know that the whole creation thas been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Rom 8:22). The groan will stop someday (Rev 21:1-5; 22:1-5), but not until Jesus Christ judges the world (Rev 20:12-15). We too groan and eagerly await the coming Kingdom when the earth will be full of the knowledge of God (Hab 2:14).
Global Warming?
A new study suggests that the rapid rise in sea levels caused by global warming could cause a dramatic increase in volcanic eruptions. We have already seen a spike in volcanic activity, but the greatest threat is not global warming, but global cooling caused by volcanic eruptions. These eruptions project volcanic ash and dust into the air, blocking sunlight, sometimes worldwide like during the mini-ice age of 1815. That ice age was directly tied to the huge volcanic eruption in Indonesia (Mount Tambora). Many volcanologists regard the Mount Tambora eruption as the largest and most-destructive volcanic event in recorded history. This eruption released 36 cubic miles of ash, pumice and other rock, and aerosols. This included an estimated 60 megatons of sulfur released into the upper atmosphere. That could easily happen again, and so too could this trigger another mini-ice age. That means a drastic worldwide reduction in food production and bitter cold over the global, killing perhaps millions in the process.
Another Ice Age?
[4]In 1816, parts of the world as far away as western Europe and eastern North America experienced sporadic periods of heavy snow and killing frost through June, July, and August. Such cold weather events led to crop failures and starvation in those regions, and the year 1816 was called the “year without a summer.” Climate change will also accelerate the dispersal of volcanic material in the form of small, shiny droplets called volcanic sulfate aerosols – sending them to higher latitudes. For large eruptions, the combined effect will cause the haze created by volcanic aerosols to block more sunlight from reaching Earth’s surface.
Conclusion
I pray that these natural catastrophes make lost sinners aware of their own mortality. It’s as if God is giving us one last warning before the coming judgment at the Great White Throne Judgment. Jesus gave Jerusalem one last warning and they failed to heed it (Matt 24:7). Will our nation? That’s precisely why I pray you have put your trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ already. Then you don’t have to worry about anything separating your from God (Rom 8:35-39). If that has not happened yet my friend, you are in real danger of hell fire. And I mean in immediate danger. You’re one breath, one heartbeat…one accident away from eternity when it will be too late to repent. Today is the best day to believe (2 Cor 6:2) since tomorrow is no guarantee. If Jesus Christ came today, here is your fate (Matt 7:21-23). This is why I plead with you as you read this, repent today…and I mean right now. Put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you do not, you will face God’s judgment after death guaranteed (Heb 9:27) or at Jesus Christ’s appearance (Rev 20:12-15), which could happen at any moment.
Here is some related reading for you: Are Natural Disasters From God? [5]
Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: Study Bible: English standard version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.