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 info@flashforwardpod.com. 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. And if you want to support the show, there are a few ways you can do that too! Head to www.flashforwardpod.com/support for more about how to give. But if that’s not in the cards for you, you can head to iTunes and leave us a nice review or just tell your friends about us. Those things really do help. That’s all for this future, come back next time and we’ll travel to a new one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices