In Canberra, Australia, scientists are revising their understanding of the 2022 Tonga eruption, offering a new theory that challenges previous explanations. The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano on January 15 created a powerful lightning storm and a mega-tsunami, leaving researchers puzzled about the exact cause.
Previous research pointed to the merging of magma chambers as the trigger for the eruption, but the specific mechanism behind the blast remained unclear. In a study published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, scientists now suggest that a massive buildup of gas beneath a seal inside the volcano may have been the main culprit, contrary to the widely held belief that magma interacting with seawater caused the eruption.
Lead author Richard Henley, an honorary professor of material physics at the Australian National University, described the event as a Plinian eruption, a type characterized by explosive eruptions often associated with ash columns and pyroclastic flows. Henley and his team propose that the intense explosiveness of such eruptions, including the Tonga event, may be driven by factors other than magma-seawater interaction, challenging existing theories.
Co-author Cornel de Ronde, principal scientist at the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited in New Zealand, emphasized the significance of the Tonga eruption in reshaping scientific understanding of volcanic processes. The researchers believe that the eruption at Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai has provided valuable insights into the dynamics of volcanic activity, highlighting the need for further investigation into the role of gas buildup in triggering explosive eruptions.
By reevaluating the factors contributing to the extreme force of the 2022 Tonga eruption, scientists hope to enhance their ability to predict and mitigate volcanic hazards in the future. The study underscores the complexity of volcanic phenomena and the importance of continuous research to improve our understanding of natural disasters like volcanic eruptions.
In conclusion, the latest findings shed light on the intricacies of volcanic activity and challenge conventional explanations for explosive eruptions. The reexamination of the Tonga eruption offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms driving volcanic events, paving the way for future advancements in volcanic research and hazard mitigation strategies.