Eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano could lead to a catastrophe in the Pacific Ocean
(ORDO NEWS) — A powerful natural explosion on the Hunga Tonga volcano in the Pacific Ocean left its mark on history.
But thanks to the favorable location of this volcano, the Pacific Ocean avoided a possible catastrophe in the form of a tsunami 85 meters high.
Geologists from the University of Miami collected data and created a three-dimensional model of the explosion that helped explain how and why such a terrible event did not lead to even greater consequences.
A month and a half after the start of the volcanic eruption, there was a powerful explosion that practically destroyed the island of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Haapai.
The ash cloud reached a height of several tens of kilometers, and the sound of the explosion was heard in New Zealand.
The cataclysm caused a lot of lightning and atmospheric disturbances, as well as a tsunami 40 meters high.
However, geologists have determined that the catastrophe could have been prevented. Thanks to the convenient location of the volcano on an island in the South Pacific, a tsunami 85 meters high never happened.
The narrow depth of the sea and the special structure of the bottom prevented the shock wave from reaching the open ocean and causing even more serious consequences.
University of Miami professor Sam Purkis and his colleagues used data from satellites, underwater and aerial drones and other surveillance systems to create a three-dimensional model of the most powerful natural explosion in the last hundred years.
Their study showed that the Hunga Tonga volcano survived a series of five explosions in January 2022, including 0.5, 4 and 15 megatons of TNT.
This study by geologists from the University of Miami helps to better understand the nature of volcanic disasters and their consequences for the environment and humanity.
It emphasizes the importance of accurate forecasting and monitoring of volcanic activity, especially near human settlements and tourist areas.
—
Online:
Contact us: [email protected]
Our Standards, Terms of Use: Standard Terms And Conditions.
