Characteristics and time-series monitoring by GOES-17 of volcano flume on 15 January 2022 from Tonga submarine volcanic eruption

Abstract

Background: On 15 January 2022, a submarine volcanic eruption occurred at Hunga Tonga. Time-series monitoring from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-17) was analysed to estimate the magnitude, location, start time, and duration of the eruption and to measure the evolving characteristics of Hunga Ha’apai Island. Results: The eruption starting time was between 04:10 and 04:20 UTC with an eruption intensity that increased drastically and produced a plume that reached a maximum height of about 58 km. The explosive phase lasted 13 h and consisted of multiple steam and tephra explosions with an M 5.8 earthquake. The Airmass RGB, which combines water vapor and infrared imagery from the ABI and was used to monitor the evolution of the volcano, captured a plume of gases from the eruption of Hunga Tonga volcano on 15 January 2022. This type of imagery provides information on the middle and upper levels of the troposphere and distinguishes between high- and mid-level clouds. Conclusion: A sonic explosion also occurred, possibly when the volcano collapsed underwater and seawater rushed in, causing a huge displacement of seawater. The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption is not over and could worsen in the coming days. Future studies are required to assess the potential effects on stratospheric chemistry and radiation for secondary damage analysis.