Canberra, Australia – A recent study from The Australian National University (ANU) has uncovered new insights into the triggering mechanism behind the massive underwater volcanic eruption of the Hunga Tonga underwater volcano, one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. The research, led by a team of ANU seismologists, sheds light on the natural explosion that initiated the cataclysmic event that occurred two years ago.
The findings reveal that the explosion may have been caused by gas-compressed rock trapped underneath a shallow sea, similar to an overcooked pressure cooker. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that the interaction of hot magma with cold seawater was responsible for such massive underwater volcanic eruptions. The study’s seismic records showed that the event released energy equivalent to five of the largest underground nuclear explosions conducted by North Korea in 2017.
According to study co-author and ANU PhD student Jinyin Hu, the explosion caused a massive vertical push of water upwards into the atmosphere, resulting in tsunamis reaching as high as 45 meters at nearby islands. The volume of water uplifted during the event was estimated to be sufficient to fill about one million standard Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Further analysis by study co-authors Dr. Thanh-Son Pham and Professor Hrvoje Tkalčić revealed a significant vertical force pointing upward during the event. The solid earth rebounded upwards after the water column was uplifted, indicating a complex natural mechanism underlying the eruption.
The ANU seismologists believe that monitoring the release of gases and micro-seismicity from volcanic sites can help in better preparing for future volcanic events. The Tonga eruption, being one of the best instrumentally recorded events of its size, provides valuable insights for understanding volcanic eruptions and their potential impacts.
The research not only advances scientific understanding of volcanic eruptions but also highlights the importance of utilizing seismic waveform modeling techniques to study natural explosive events. By combining academic curiosity with forensic seismology, the study exemplifies the power of scientific inquiry in unraveling complex geological phenomena.
In conclusion, the study’s findings offer valuable insights into the triggering mechanism behind the Hunga Tonga underwater volcano eruption, providing a new perspective on the natural forces at play during such cataclysmic events. The research serves as a testament to the significance of ongoing scientific investigations in enhancing our understanding of volcanic processes and improving disaster preparedness measures.