Global consequences: volcano eruption in Tonga affected the ozone layer

The eruption of a volcano in Tonga not only shook the local landscape, but also had significant repercussions on the global atmosphere. This massive volcanic event caused damage to the ozone layer, a crucial component of our protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

In January last year, the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano in the South Pacific Ocean resulted in a record release of water vapor into the atmosphere, causing partial depletion of the ozone layer due to chemical reactions. The causes of the eruption are still under investigation.

Tonga volcano eruption had consequences for the ozone layer

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A study published in the journal Science confirmed the destruction of ozone layer due to the volcanic eruption in Tonga, which released an unprecedented amount of water vapor into the stratosphere, estimated at 150 megatons. This resulted in a rapid 5% depletion of the ozone layer in the Pacific region.

Additionally, the eruption caused giant waves, intense thunderstorms with frequent lightning, and interfered with satellites due to the formation of chlorine compounds, such as chlorine monoxide, which can damage the ozone layer.

Laura Revell, associate professor at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, explains that:

“Large volcanic eruptions can inject gases and particles into the stratosphere, where the ozone layer resides. Therefore, it is quite common to observe short-term losses after a large eruption, as a result of reactions involving volcanic aerosol and chlorine.”

However, the question that continues to demand further investigation is how this destruction occurred so quickly. Olaf Morgenstern, a scientist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), says:

“In particular, the speed of ozone depletion observed challenges our understanding of the chemistry occurring on the surfaces of these particles and droplets.”

Despite the initial intensity, the destruction caused by eruption it subsided before the end of January of that year, but the effects of the release of water vapor into the stratosphere will persist for an extended period. In this sense, Revell comments that:

“The increase in water vapor could persist for several years to come.”

Understanding the impact of this development — which should resemble that of other cases of eruptions in the future — will require continuous atmospheric monitoring activities. Among the possible complications is the temperature increase until the gas is completely dissipated.