Volcanic eruption in Tonga
A recent volcanic eruption occurred in Tonga, causing its plume to reach the mesosphere.
It should be known that the mesosphere layer of the Earth’s atmosphere is about 50 to 85 km. extended to.
An explosive combination of extreme heat from the volcano and moisture from the ocean is produced. This combination has helped lift the volcanic plume (a mixture of ash, smoke, gas, water, etc.) to such an astonishing height.
According to experts, this is the largest volcanic eruption recorded anywhere in the world in three decades.
Effect of Volcanic Eruption:
- Ash/dust/aerosols are released into the atmosphere during a volcanic eruption. They block sunlight and create shadows and cause temporary cooling.
- These explosions “release” large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. This increases the effect of global warming.
- This can bring about a significant change in the local weather, such as strong thunderstorms etc.
- The eruption triggered a devastating tsunami, which could flow through Tonga.
About Tonga Volcano
- It is located in the “Ring of Fire” region of the Pacific Ocean. This island nation is located just 60 kilometers from Tonga.
- In the Ring of Fire region, the tectonic plates move towards each other forming a subduction zone. With this insertion, the rocks melt to become magma and come to the surface of the Earth. These cause volcanic activity.
- In the case of Tonga, the Pacific Plate was subducted under the Indo-Australian Plate and the Tonga Plate as a result of a tectonic process.
Source – The Hindu
