Scientists are still studying the impact of the powerful explosion near Tonga, eight months after it erupted.
Researchers recently calculated that Hunga Tonga Ha’apa’s eruption released a staggering 50,000,000 tons (45,000,000 metric tons) water vapor into space, along with enormous amounts of volcanic gases and ash.
This massive vapor injection increased the amount of moisture in the global stratosphere by about 5 percent, and could trigger a cycle of stratospheric cooling and surface heating – and these effects may persist for months to come, according to a new study.
Tonga’s eruption began Jan. 13th and reached its peak two days later. In decades, this is the most powerful thing to have happened on Earth..
The blast reached 162 miles (260km) and sent pillars ash, steam, a and. GasAccording to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the maximum altitude of 12 miles (20 km) is possible.NOAA).
Large volcanic eruptions cool the planet by releasing sulfur dioxide into the upper layer of the atmosphere. EarthThe atmosphere of the Earth, which filters solar radiation.
According to the National Science Foundation’s, particles of rock or ash can also temporarily cool down the planet by blocking sunlight. University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.
Global warming may have been caused by the globalization of volcanic activity that was widespread and powerful in Earth’s distant history. Climate ChangeMass extinctions can be triggered by this.Millions of years ago.
Related: Amazing satellite video captures huge underwater volcano eruption in Tonga
Recent eruptions have also shown this. Volcanoes‘ planet-cooling powers. Aerosols were spewed by this volcano in 1991 after Mount Pinatubo, Philippines, exploded. A powerful volcanic blastLive Science previously reported that global temperatures have fallen by about 0.5% Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least one-year.
Tonga expounded approximately 441,000 tons (400,000 tonnes) of sulfur dioxide. That’s about 2 percent. Mount Pinatubo spewsDuring the 1991 eruption.
According to the National Weather Service, Tonga’s volcanic plumes from underwater sent “substantial amounts” of water into the stratosphere. This is in contrast to Pinatubo, which occurs on land.NWS).
Submarine volcanoes can generate large amounts of explosive energy by the interaction between water and hot magma. Scientists discovered this in a new study, published Sept. 22 in The Journal. Science.
Within 24 hours of the eruption, the plume had extended to 17 miles (28 km), into the atmosphere.
The researchers analysed the amount of water present in the plumes through data collected by radiosondes. These instruments were attached to weather balloons, and then sent into the volcanic plumes.
These instruments are able to measure the atmospheric pressure as they rise. TemperatureThe data are transmitted to a ground receiver using the following:, relative humidity, and air pressure NWS.
Atmospheric water vapor absorbs solar radiation and re-emits it as heat; with tens of millions of tons of Tonga’s moisture now adrift in the stratosphere, Earth’s surface will be heating up – though it’s unclear by how much, according to the study.
The scientists stated that because the vapor of volcanic aerosols is lighter and less affected gravity’s pull, this warming effect will take longer to dissipate and surface warming could persist for “the months to come”.
Research into the eruption revealed that Tonga produced enough water vapor to fill 58,000 swimming pools of Olympic size. This suggests that Tonga could have potentially been responsible for increasing atmospheric moisture. Weaken the ozone layersLive Science reported previously.
Scientists also found that large amounts of water va could modify chemical cycles controlling stratospheric temperature. ozone“However, detailed studies are required to quantify how ozone is affected by other chemical reactions because they may also play a part.”
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This article was first published by Live Science. Please read the Original article here.
