Hunga Tonga Eruption Unprecedented Climate Impacts Explored in New Study
Sydney, Australia – The catastrophic eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano on January 15, 2022, not only created a massive tsunami but also sent shockwaves around the globe, triggering a series of environmental consequences that are still being studied. A new paper published in the Journal of Climate sheds light on the extensive and unusual climate impacts of this eruption.
Ozone Hole and Unexpected Weather Patterns
According to the study, the Hunga Tonga eruption played a significant role in creating last year's exceptionally large ozone hole and contributed to the unexpectedly wet summer of 2024. The eruption's effects are anticipated to influence winter weather patterns for years to come.
Typically, volcanic eruptions emit sulphur dioxide, which cools the Earth's su...