Thera eruption was bigger still
Inside the crater of the Thera volcano at the island of Santorini
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The second largest volcanic eruption in human history was much larger than previously thought, scientists say.
The Bronze Age eruption of Thera near mainland Greece would have devastated ancient civilisations in the region.
Ash would likely have plunged much of the Mediterranean into darkness, and tsunami would have wrecked local ports.
A survey around what is now the island arc of Santorini shows volcanic pumice to a depth of 80m covering the ocean floor for 20-30km in all directions.
By examining echoes from volcanic deposits on the ocean floor, researchers have shown that the Aegean eruption of Thera 3,600 years ago may have propelled 60 cubic km of magma out of the volcano's crater.
clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk