Tonga's volcano looked small, but researchers say its collapse may have supercharged a tsunami
A new study suggests that the 2022 Hunga volcano eruption in Tonga was intensified by the rapid collapse of its caldera. This discovery indicates that even small undersea volcanoes can trigger massive, dangerous tsunamis, necessitating a reevaluation of coastal hazard maps.
Why it matters
Understanding the mechanics of submarine volcanic collapses is critical for improving early warning systems and protecting coastal communities from unexpected tsunami threats.
A new study on Tonga's 2022 Hunga eruption indicates that the collapse of a relatively small caldera may have helped produce an exceptionally powerful tsunami.
Researchers say the tsunami from the Hunga volcano near Tonga may have been intensified when the volcano's structure collapsed rapidly during the eruption, according to Ars Technica . Their findings could change how we judge the coastal threat from submarine volcanoes.
On Jan. 15, 2022, Hunga produced an extraordinarily powerful volcanic event. The blast sent an eruption column more than 34 miles (55 kilometers) high, pushed vaporized seawater into the stratosphere, and generated a pressure wave detected around the world.
The tsunami within about 62 miles (100 kilometers) from the source is estimated to have reached 131 feet (40 meters), the highest tsunami ever recorded from an underwater volcanic eruption.
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