The scientists are offering a new theory for the extreme force behind the 2022 Tonga eruption. They believe the built-up gas, and not the interaction of magma and water, might have been the prime culprit.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai, an underwater volcano in the South Pacific Ocean, erupted on January 15, 2022, releasing the most powerful lightning storm ever recorded and also the first known mega-tsunami since ancient times.&nbsp;

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While previous research signified that the underwater eruption was due to the two merging magma chambers, exactly what sparked the blast was unclear.&nbsp;

"Past explanations focused on magma meeting seawater," the researchers wrote in a new study published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research on April 21. However, they found this unlikely due to limitations in heat transfer and a lack of clear satellite evidence.

Instead, they wrote, water depth and satellite observations point to a massive buildup of gas underneath a seal inside the volcano that unexpectedly broke on Jan&nbsp;15 after a series of smaller eruptions between Dec&nbsp;19, 2021, and Jan&nbsp;13, 2022.&nbsp;

"What we saw during this event was a Plinian eruption," lead author Richard Henley, an honorary professor of material physics at the Australian National University, said. "These are the common kind most people think of when picturing an erupting volcano."&nbsp;

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However, Henley and his team propose a new factor behind the intense explosiveness of Plinian eruptions, including the record-breaking Tonga event. Their findings challenge past theories that blamed the violence on magma-seawater interaction. Notably, this suggests the immense power of the Tonga eruption wasn't dependent on its underwater location.

"The eruption at Hunga has opened our eyes," co-author Cornel de Ronde, principal scientist at the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited in New Zealand, said in the statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The scientists are offering a new theory for the extreme force behind the 2022 Tonga eruption. They believe the built-up gas, and not the interaction of magma and water, might have been the prime culprit.

The scientists are offering a new theory for the extreme force behind the 2022 Tonga eruption. They believe the built-up gas, and not the interaction of magma and water, might have been the prime culprit. The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai, an underwater volcano in the South Pacific Ocean, erupted on January 15, 2022, releasing the most powerful lightning storm ever recorded and also the first known mega-tsunami since ancient times. Also read: Heartbreaking reality: Over 321,000 children left orphaned due to America's drug epidemic between 2011-2021 While previous research signified that the underwater eruption was due to the two merging magma chambers, exactly what sparked the blast was unclear. "Past explanations focused on magma meeting seawater," the researchers wrote in a new study published in the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research on April 21. However, they found this unlikely due to limitations in heat transfer and a lack of clear satellite evidence. Instead, they wrote, water depth and satellite observations point to a massive buildup of gas underneath a seal inside the volcano that unexpectedly broke on Jan 15 after a series of smaller eruptions between Dec 19, 2021, and Jan 13, 2022. "What we saw during this event was a Plinian eruption," lead author Richard Henley, an honorary professor of material physics at the Australian National University, said. "These are the common kind most people think of when picturing an erupting volcano." Also read: Is an ocean of magma creating atmosphere on this 'Super Earth'? The possibility has scientists excited However, Henley and his team propose a new factor behind the intense explosiveness of Plinian eruptions, including the record-breaking Tonga event. Their findings challenge past theories that blamed the violence on magma-seawater interaction. Notably, this suggests the immense power of the Tonga eruption wasn't dependent on its underwater location. "The eruption at Hunga has opened our eyes," co-author Cornel de Ronde, principal scientist at the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited in New Zealand, said in the statement. (With inputs from agencies)

The 2022 underwater Tonga eruption likely happened because of THIS reason

Last year's Tonga volcano explosion packed quite a punch. As per research, the explosion was around 1,000 times more powerful than the nuclear bomb the United States dropped on Japan's Hiroshima in 1945. Its magnitude was comparable to the most powerful nuclear detonation by the US: the Castle Bravo bomb that was detonated at Bikini Atoll in the year 1954.

Scientists have reached these estimates by using eye and earwitness accounts, along with data from tide gauges, satellites, evidence of broken windows and other sources.&nbsp;

According to them, the January 15, 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano likely involved five blasts, the final of which released energy equivalent to about 15 megatonnes of TNT which is 1,000 more powerful than 'Little Boy' the nuclear bomb responsible for Hiroshima's destruction.

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The new study builds on previous research, which revealed that the eruption resulted in the highest ash plume ever recorded, reaching a height of 57 km (35 miles).&nbsp;

Guardian reports that the eruption sent ash and debris 20 km into the air. Previously, it was believed that the volcanic eruption caused a tsunami that hit several islands, with waves reaching as high as 15 metres. However, a computer simulation of the event suggests that the western coast of Tofua Island experienced waves as tall as 45 metres in height.&nbsp;

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Dr Mohammad Heidarzadeh from the University of Bath, who has previously conducted research on the Tonga volcano eruption, has commented on a new study. He noted&nbsp;that the study benefits from a diverse observation dataset, which has enabled the researchers to create the most detailed modelling of the tsunami to date. He also remarked&nbsp;that the results of the study are consistent with his own&nbsp;research, which suggested that the maximum tsunami wave height was 90 metres.

"Modelling tsunamis from volcano eruptions is a challenging task and this has been nicely done," he said, as quoted by the Guardian. "It is interesting that the results are consistent with our previous study on this event, where we reported a maximum tsunami wave height of 90 metres," he added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Last year's Tonga volcano explosion packed quite a punch. As per research, the explosion was around 1,000 times more powerful than the nuclear bomb the United States dropped on Japan's Hiroshima in 1945.

Last year's Tonga volcano explosion packed quite a punch. As per research, the explosion was around 1,000 times more powerful than the nuclear bomb the United States dropped on Japan's Hiroshima in 1945. Its magnitude was comparable to the most powerful nuclear detonation by the US: the Castle Bravo bomb that was detonated at Bikini Atoll in the year 1954. Scientists have reached these estimates by using eye and earwitness accounts, along with data from tide gauges, satellites, evidence of broken windows and other sources. According to them, the January 15, 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano likely involved five blasts, the final of which released energy equivalent to about 15 megatonnes of TNT which is 1,000 more powerful than 'Little Boy' the nuclear bomb responsible for Hiroshima's destruction. Also read | Up, Up, and Away!: Elon Musk’s SpaceX to try and launch ‘Starship,’ its most powerful rocket ever on Monday The new study builds on previous research, which revealed that the eruption resulted in the highest ash plume ever recorded, reaching a height of 57 km (35 miles). Guardian reports that the eruption sent ash and debris 20 km into the air. Previously, it was believed that the volcanic eruption caused a tsunami that hit several islands, with waves reaching as high as 15 metres. However, a computer simulation of the event suggests that the western coast of Tofua Island experienced waves as tall as 45 metres in height. Also read | Responding to office messages on WhatsApp after work hours? You may be eligible for compensation Dr Mohammad Heidarzadeh from the University of Bath, who has previously conducted research on the Tonga volcano eruption, has commented on a new study. He noted that the study benefits from a diverse observation dataset, which has enabled the researchers to create the most detailed modelling of the tsunami to date. He also remarked that the results of the study are consistent with his own research, which suggested that the maximum tsunami wave height was 90 metres. "Modelling tsunamis from volcano eruptions is a challenging task and this has been nicely done," he said, as quoted by the Guardian. "It is interesting that the results are consistent with our previous study on this event, where we reported a maximum tsunami wave height of 90 metres," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Quite a punch! Last year's Tonga volcano eruption was 1,000 times stronger than Hiroshima nuclear bomb

Internet&nbsp;connection was restored in&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;on Tuesday, five weeks after a massive volcanic eruption shredded the&nbsp;undersea&nbsp;cable&nbsp;that connects the Pacific nation with the rest of the world.

Telecom providers Digicel and TCC said data connectivity had been restored to two main islands, after breaks in an 80-kilometre (50-mile) stretch of the&nbsp;cable&nbsp;were finally fixed.

Residents reported services were quickly coming&nbsp;back&nbsp;online, email seemed blazingly fast after 38 days in the&nbsp;internet&nbsp;doldrums and a slew of calls from family overseas were coming in -- their voices now heard loud and clear.

"YES! TCC is restoring fibre&nbsp;cable&nbsp;internet&nbsp;services," the company said in a message to customers.

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The January 15 eruption was so powerful it was heard as far away as Alaska and caused a tsunami that flooded coastlines around the Pacific.

It covered&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;with ash and mangled an 80-kilometre stretch of the&nbsp;undersea&nbsp;cable&nbsp;that proved more difficult than expected to fix.

Immediately after the disaster, contact with&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;was only possible via a handful of satellite links. Although some connectivity was later restored, connections were limited.

Digicel said "data connectivity had been restored" to two islands, after "multiple faults and breaks" were&nbsp;repaired.

"We are delighted to see that our customers are connected to the outside world again," said Digicel&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;chief executive Anthony Seuseu.

Earlier this month&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;Cable&nbsp;Limited chief executive James Panuve said a repair ship had located the severed ends of the 840 kilometre-long&nbsp;cable&nbsp;linking&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;to Fiji that was cut in the blast.

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Major havoc

But rather than a clean break, Panuve said the ship found the eruption tore an 80-kilometre section of&nbsp;cable&nbsp;into numerous pieces as it pummelled the seabed with the explosive force of a nuclear bomb.

"It is obvious that the eruption, shockwaves, (and) tsunami caused major havoc underwater," he said.

Panuve said that after contending with poor weather, the&nbsp;cable&nbsp;repair ship "Reliance" had to retrieve sections of&nbsp;cable&nbsp;in waters up to 2.5 kilometres deep.

He said one section had been moved five kilometres by the&nbsp;undersea&nbsp;blast and another was buried under 30 centimetres (a foot) of silt.

The eruption of the Hunga&nbsp;Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, which lies about&nbsp;65 kilometres north of the capital Nuku'alofa, killed three people.

According to UN agencies, the dual disaster also damaged 293 houses and displaced 1,525 people.

About&nbsp;85 per cent of the total population were affected by the disaster, with freshwater difficult to come by and arable land covered with six centimetres (two inches) of ash in some places.

Despite&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;receiving aid under strict "no-contact" protocols, the international relief effort prompted a Covid-19 outbreak in the previously virus-free nation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Internet connection was restored in Tonga on Tuesday, five weeks after a massive volcanic eruption shredded the undersea cable that connects the Pacific nation with the rest of the world.

Internet connection was restored in Tonga on Tuesday, five weeks after a massive volcanic eruption shredded the undersea cable that connects the Pacific nation with the rest of the world. Telecom providers Digicel and TCC said data connectivity had been restored to two main islands, after breaks in an 80-kilometre (50-mile) stretch of the cable were finally fixed. Residents reported services were quickly coming back online, email seemed blazingly fast after 38 days in the internet doldrums and a slew of calls from family overseas were coming in -- their voices now heard loud and clear. "YES! TCC is restoring fibre cable internet services," the company said in a message to customers. Also read | Musk donates satellite gear to reconnect Tonga The January 15 eruption was so powerful it was heard as far away as Alaska and caused a tsunami that flooded coastlines around the Pacific. It covered Tonga with ash and mangled an 80-kilometre stretch of the undersea cable that proved more difficult than expected to fix. Immediately after the disaster, contact with Tonga was only possible via a handful of satellite links. Although some connectivity was later restored, connections were limited. Digicel said "data connectivity had been restored" to two islands, after "multiple faults and breaks" were repaired. "We are delighted to see that our customers are connected to the outside world again," said Digicel Tonga chief executive Anthony Seuseu. Earlier this month Tonga Cable Limited chief executive James Panuve said a repair ship had located the severed ends of the 840 kilometre-long cable linking Tonga to Fiji that was cut in the blast. Also read | Tonga virus cases surge in wake of volcano eruption Major havoc But rather than a clean break, Panuve said the ship found the eruption tore an 80-kilometre section of cable into numerous pieces as it pummelled the seabed with the explosive force of a nuclear bomb. "It is obvious that the eruption, shockwaves, (and) tsunami caused major havoc underwater," he said. Panuve said that after contending with poor weather, the cable repair ship "Reliance" had to retrieve sections of cable in waters up to 2.5 kilometres deep. He said one section had been moved five kilometres by the undersea blast and another was buried under 30 centimetres (a foot) of silt. The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, which lies about 65 kilometres north of the capital Nuku'alofa, killed three people. According to UN agencies, the dual disaster also damaged 293 houses and displaced 1,525 people. About 85 per cent of the total population were affected by the disaster, with freshwater difficult to come by and arable land covered with six centimetres (two inches) of ash in some places. Despite Tonga receiving aid under strict "no-contact" protocols, the international relief effort prompted a Covid-19 outbreak in the previously virus-free nation.

Tonga back online as undersea cable repaired

The Omicron variant coronavirus entered&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;for the first time in the wake of last month's volcanic eruption, officials confirmed Thursday, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the kingdom almost doubled to 64.

Health Minister Saia Piukala said 31 new cases had been detected in the previous 24 hours, a record for the island nation which was virus-free until last month's blast.

Piukala said samples sent to Australia confirmed the variant of the virus spreading in&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;was the highly transmissible Omicron strain.

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The source of the coronavirus infection remains unknown, but suspicion has fallen on ships delivering aid from countries including Australia, China, France, Japan and New Zealand despite strict quarantine rules on the handling of goods.

Australian defence chiefs have denied it came from the Covid-hit warship HMAS Adelaide, saying the vessel did not unload its humanitarian supplies at the wharf in Nuku'alofa, where the virus was first detected.

The nation of about 100,000 remains in lockdown, with stay-at-home orders meaning all businesses and schools are closed and only essential services are allowed to operate.

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The restrictions are hampering disaster relief efforts after the Hunga&nbsp;Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano erupted with a force scientists said was more powerful than a nuclear bomb.

The blast generated massive tsunami waves and blanketed the island nation in toxic ash, claiming three lives.

Some 87 percent of eligible Tongans have received two vaccine doses, according to UN data.

Watch |&nbsp;Tonga: A tale of two disasters

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Communications remain a problem in the kingdom after the eruption cut the undersea cable linking&nbsp;Tonga&nbsp;to the rest of the world.

Tonga&nbsp;Cable Limited said this week that a cable repair ship had found the broken ends of the link but the damage was worse than expected, meaning it was unlikely to be fixed before February 20.

In the meantime, backup satellite links are being used but bandwidth is limited and international communications remain difficult for most Tongans.

The Omicron variant coronavirus entered Tonga for the first time in the wake of last month's volcanic eruption, officials confirmed Thursday, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the kingdom almost doubled to 64.

The Omicron variant coronavirus entered Tonga for the first time in the wake of last month's volcanic eruption, officials confirmed Thursday, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the kingdom almost doubled to 64. Health Minister Saia Piukala said 31 new cases had been detected in the previous 24 hours, a record for the island nation which was virus-free until last month's blast. Piukala said samples sent to Australia confirmed the variant of the virus spreading in Tonga was the highly transmissible Omicron strain. Also read | World surpasses 400 million known coronavirus cases and confronts how to live with COVID The source of the coronavirus infection remains unknown, but suspicion has fallen on ships delivering aid from countries including Australia, China, France, Japan and New Zealand despite strict quarantine rules on the handling of goods. Australian defence chiefs have denied it came from the Covid-hit warship HMAS Adelaide, saying the vessel did not unload its humanitarian supplies at the wharf in Nuku'alofa, where the virus was first detected. The nation of about 100,000 remains in lockdown, with stay-at-home orders meaning all businesses and schools are closed and only essential services are allowed to operate. Also read | 'Beyond tragic': WHO reports 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Omicron The restrictions are hampering disaster relief efforts after the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano erupted with a force scientists said was more powerful than a nuclear bomb. The blast generated massive tsunami waves and blanketed the island nation in toxic ash, claiming three lives. Some 87 percent of eligible Tongans have received two vaccine doses, according to UN data. Watch | Tonga: A tale of two disasters Communications remain a problem in the kingdom after the eruption cut the undersea cable linking Tonga to the rest of the world. Tonga Cable Limited said this week that a cable repair ship had found the broken ends of the link but the damage was worse than expected, meaning it was unlikely to be fixed before February 20. In the meantime, backup satellite links are being used but bandwidth is limited and international communications remain difficult for most Tongans.

Tonga virus cases surge in wake of volcano eruption

Tonga closed its borders on Wednesday after two virus cases were detected amid relief efforts after it was hit by a major volcano and a tsunami last month.

The Pacific island country was free of the virus for nearly two years except for one case which was detected last year, however, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni announced two men had tested positive and were working in the port where humanitarian aid has been arriving.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-tsunami-and-volcano-in-tonga-445867">Also Read in Pics: Satellite pictures: Tsunami and volcano in Tonga</a>

The prime minister announced a "national lockdown" while informing that "no boat will be allowed to go from one island to another, no more (domestic) aeroplane flights."

The prime minister said the situation would be reviewed every two days. Tonga has been receiving aid from China, France, United States, New Zealand, Fiji and Britain with ships arriving at its port with crucial medical supplies including drinking water.

Watch:&nbsp;World rushes to tsunami hit Tonga's aid

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Although the country has put strict Covid protocol in place and allowed humanitarian goods in isolation even as the country has vaccinated 85 per cent of its population.

Australia's HMAS Adelaide had docked in Tonga as reports said at least 20 crew members were infected with the virus. The lockdown comes even as the UN said over 1,500 people were still displaced and needed urgent attention.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/water-is-an-immediate-need-tonga-assesses-damage-after-volcanic-eruption-covid-19-threat-looms-445444">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;'Water is an immediate need': Tonga assesses damage after volcanic eruption</a>

The volcano had ripped undersea cables as officials said cable repair ships were due to arrive this week even&nbsp;as the country reels under the devastating effects of the volcano.

Tonga's media reported that at least three more virus cases were reported with five COVID-19 cases recorded so far as Tongans scrambled to stock up essential supplies ahead of the lockdown.

The authorities said the two people who were infected were fully vaccinated and it was not clear whether they were infected with the Omicron variant.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Tonga closed its borders on Wednesday after two virus cases were detected amid relief efforts after it was hit by a major volcano and a tsunami last month. The Pacific island country was free of the virus for nearly two years except for one case which was detected last year, however, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni announced two men had tested positive and were working in the port where humanitarian aid has been arriving.

Tonga closed its borders on Wednesday after two virus cases were detected amid relief efforts after it was hit by a major volcano and a tsunami last month. The Pacific island country was free of the virus for nearly two years except for one case which was detected last year, however, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni announced two men had tested positive and were working in the port where humanitarian aid has been arriving. Also Read in Pics: Satellite pictures: Tsunami and volcano in Tonga The prime minister announced a "national lockdown" while informing that "no boat will be allowed to go from one island to another, no more (domestic) aeroplane flights." The prime minister said the situation would be reviewed every two days. Tonga has been receiving aid from China, France, United States, New Zealand, Fiji and Britain with ships arriving at its port with crucial medical supplies including drinking water. Watch: World rushes to tsunami hit Tonga's aid Although the country has put strict Covid protocol in place and allowed humanitarian goods in isolation even as the country has vaccinated 85 per cent of its population. Australia's HMAS Adelaide had docked in Tonga as reports said at least 20 crew members were infected with the virus. The lockdown comes even as the UN said over 1,500 people were still displaced and needed urgent attention. Also Read in Pics: 'Water is an immediate need': Tonga assesses damage after volcanic eruption The volcano had ripped undersea cables as officials said cable repair ships were due to arrive this week even as the country reels under the devastating effects of the volcano. Tonga's media reported that at least three more virus cases were reported with five COVID-19 cases recorded so far as Tongans scrambled to stock up essential supplies ahead of the lockdown. The authorities said the two people who were infected were fully vaccinated and it was not clear whether they were infected with the Omicron variant. (With inputs from Agencies)

Volcano-hit Tonga enters lockdown after recording two virus cases

It has been a week since a volcanic explosion engulfed the Pacific Island nation of Tonga. But residents here continue to struggle even now, with ash and the psychological fallout of the eruption along with the tsunami.

World rushes to tsunami hit Tonga's aid

tonga-eruption

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tonga eruption

The 2022 underwater Tonga eruption likely happened because of THIS reason

Quite a punch! Last year's Tonga volcano eruption was 1,000 times stronger than Hiroshima nuclear bomb

Tonga back online as undersea cable repaired

Tonga virus cases surge in wake of volcano eruption

Volcano-hit Tonga enters lockdown after recording two virus cases

World rushes to tsunami hit Tonga's aid