2022 Hunga Tonga eruption and tsunami

On January 15, 2022, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai undersea volcano, located in Tonga, erupted explosively. This eruption sent ash, gas, and steam miles into the atmosphere, blanketing the islands in volcanic ash. The event also generated a powerful tsunami that caused widespread damage and flooding across the island nation.1

Volcanic eruptions, particularly explosive ones like this, can inject aerosols into the stratosphere. These aerosols can remain in the atmosphere for years and influence climate patterns. Historically, major eruptions have been linked to significant weather pattern alterations, crop failures, and even famines in various parts of the world. The Hunga Tonga eruption's impact on global weather and climate is still being studied.23