12 minutes
Cosmos Lab
13,926 views May 9, 2023
In the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone, amidst a volcanic arch, lies the ominous Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai, standing perilously close to a highly
active seismic region. For decades, the looming threat of disaster has kept scientists and volcanologists on edge, well aware that this unstable
area could unleash havoc at any moment. Their worst nightmare has now become reality as the Tonga volcano erupts violently, causing the earth to
tremble. But what you may not know is that last year's eruption is now having a significant impact on our climate. Recent research indicates that
the eruption produced a global shockwave and spewed massive amounts of water vapor into the upper atmosphere, causing a small, short-term increase
in global warming and temporary depletion of the protective ozone layer. With the world still reeling from last year's calamity, what will be the
consequences of another eruption from the largest underwater volcano on the planet? Stick with us until the end to find out!
Tonga, a beautiful archipelago of 169 islands, is divided into three main island groups, Tongatapu, Ha'apai, and Vava'u. The stunning coral reefs
that surround the islands are home to a diverse range of marine life. But there's more to this island's paradise than just beaches and crystal-
clear waters. The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, an impressive geological feature, erupted in 2015 and formed a new island between Hunga Tonga
and Hunga Ha'apai. This colossal volcano, standing over 2,000 meters tall, is a force to be reckoned with, and its caldera measured four
kilometers at its widest extent just before the 2022 eruption. As part of the Kermadec Tonga Ridge, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano is a
long chain of islands and volcanoes formed by the collision of the Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. Though mostly underwater, the
Hunga Tonga and Hunga Ha'apai islands offer a glimpse into the volcano's past as they're the last remnants of the caldera's northern and western
rim, which stretches around 20 kilometers in diameter.
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