Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Volcano eruption continues with decreased intensity and eruption ferocity. The eruption, which has been ongoing for several weeks, saw a decrease in plume height to approximately 12-19 miles (20-30km) high. However, scientists still consider this level of eruption to be extraordinary.
According to Julie Van Eaton, a volcanologist at the US Geological Survey, the volcano appeared to take a break before entering phase four, during which the eruption gradually decreased in strength. Van Eaton emphasizes the importance of understanding this final phase as it aids the forecasting of ash emissions and their movement through the atmosphere.
The eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai resulted in a massive ash cloud that traveled nearly 1,860 miles (3,000km) west to Australia, carried by winds. This ash cloud can have severe consequences, including contaminating water supplies and hindering aid efforts.
Furthermore, volcanic ash disruption is financially burdensome for airlines. The eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 cost the aviation industry an estimated £1.1 billion (US$1.4bn). This highlights the need for reliable information about volcanic plumes at the onset of an eruption, particularly for remote and submarine volcanoes.
The data gathered from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption could assist meteorologists in monitoring and “nowcasting” aviation-related dangers associated with explosive volcanism, such as ash cloud development and movement.
Scientists warn that a volcanic eruption on the scale of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai is likely to occur in the future. Collaboration among researchers is increasing as they recognize the underestimated global hazard posed by large-volume volcanic eruptions.
David Tappin, an expert at the British Geological Survey Keyworth, cautions that the unexpected nature of this eruption should serve as a wake-up call to better prepare for future events. There are approximately 42 volcanoes worldwide with the potential for similarly spectacular eruptions.
Julie Van Eaton emphasizes the global impacts of the eruption, stating that the scientific community is reorganizing the way they communicate. The eruption started with weeks of lower-level plumes before becoming more intense. This serves as a reminder that even a seemingly standard eruption can change unexpectedly, making it challenging to forecast or predict.
In conclusion, the ongoing eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Volcano has provided valuable data for scientists in the fields of volcanic eruption prediction and aviation safety. It highlights the need to be better prepared for the impacts of large-volume volcanic eruptions and promotes collaboration among researchers worldwide.