A dedicated team comprising geologists, volcanologists, and Earth scientists, drawn from esteemed institutions such as the Carnegie Institution for Science, Earth and Planets Laboratory in the U.S., GNS Science and Wairakei Research Center in New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, the University of Auckland (both in New Zealand), and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in Tonga, has made significant strides in the partial mapping of the magmatic system beneath the Hunga volcano. This groundbreaking research, detailed in their publication in the journal Science Advances, underscores their innovative use of advanced technology to glean insights into the magma reservoirs lying beneath this South Pacific volcano—both before and after its cataclysmic eruption in January 2022.
The eruption of the Hunga volcano in 2022 was a colossal event, marked by the complete collapse of its caldera, a plume soaring to 58 kilometers into the mesosphere, and the ensuing tsunami reaching the shores of the U.S. and Japan. However, the underwater location of the volcano posed substantial challenges for studying its dynamics and eruption aftermath. Undeterred, the research team adopted a novel approach to unravel the mysteries of the magma chambers beneath the volcano.
Given the difficulties associated with deploying conventional sonar equipment in the undersea environment, the scientists turned to cutting-edge satellite data. These satellites, equipped with unparalleled sensitivity, could discern minute variations in sea levels worldwide. Leveraging this capability, the researchers identified subtle discrepancies in sea levels above the volcano, attributed to the presence of magma within chambers. This ingenious approach allowed them not only to estimate the quantity of magma within these chambers but also to map their dimensions.
The utilization of satellite data for this purpose showcases the versatility of technology in overcoming challenges associated with undersea volcanic exploration. The findings not only deepen our understanding of the magmatic systems beneath the Hunga volcano but also pave the way for innovative methodologies in the study of submerged volcanic activity, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between geological processes and catastrophic events in our dynamic Earth.
(A and B) Representing marine gravity anomalies derived from satellite altimetry, with V31.1 and V32.1 versions, respectively. The subaerial island outlines are depicted in gray.
(C) Illustrates the alteration in marine gravity anomalies between the pre- and post-eruption phases, highlighting significant changes associated with volcanic activity.
(D and E) Display Vertical Gravity Gradient (VGG) data from satellite altimetry, showcasing V31.1 and V.32 versions, respectively.
(F) Depicts the variance in VGG between the two aforementioned versions, offering insights into the vertical gravity changes related to the volcanic eruption.
(G) Presents the pre-eruptive bathymetry data, providing a baseline understanding of the underwater topography before the eruption.
(H) Exhibits the post-eruptive bathymetry, obtained through the methods outlined in Materials and Methods, offering a glimpse into the altered underwater landscape following the January 2022 Hunga eruption.
(I) Captures the change in bathymetry between the pre-eruptive and post-eruptive phases, specifically attributed to the eruptive event. The caldera outline is indicated with a green dashed line, providing a visual reference, and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates (zone 1) tick marks, measured in kilometers, are delineated in red for clarity. This multi-faceted dataset compilation contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the geomorphic transformations associated with the Hunga volcano’s eruption in January 2022.
(Science Advances)
In their quest to unravel the mysteries beneath the Hunga volcano, the research team employed a dual approach, meticulously analyzing data sourced from satellite radar pulses and multibeam bathymetry for the region. This combined dataset provided a unique vantage point, enabling the researchers to construct partial maps of the magma chambers lying beneath the volcano—distinct maps representing the conditions before and after its eruption in January 2022, facilitating a comprehensive comparative analysis.
Upon scrutinizing these maps, the researchers unveiled a nuanced picture of the subterranean landscape beneath the Hunga volcano. Their findings revealed the presence of three distinct pockets of magma, delineating two as liquid and characterizing the third as predominantly solidifying mush. Notably, the study identified a central magma chamber as the primary source of the erupted material, with a staggering 30% of its contents expelled during the volcanic event, ultimately triggering the collapse of the caldera.
A particularly intriguing revelation emerged as the researchers discerned evidence of a channel interconnecting the two liquid-filled chambers. This conduit has played a pivotal role in replenishing much of the magma that was expelled from the central chamber during the eruption. The identification of such intricate interconnections within the magma system provides valuable insights into the dynamic and complex nature of volcanic processes.
As the researchers delve deeper into their analysis, they express optimism that continued scrutiny of satellite data will unveil further intricacies, unraveling additional details about the composition and behavior of the magma chambers beneath the Hunga volcano. This multifaceted study not only expands our understanding of the specific events surrounding the 2022 eruption but also contributes to the broader scientific discourse on volcanic dynamics, fostering a more nuanced comprehension of the Earth’s geologic processes.
Resources
- ONLINE NEWS Yirka, B. & Phys.org. (2023, December 22). Mapping magma chambers under the Hunga volcano before and after the 2022 eruption. Phys.org. [Phys.org]
- JOURNAL Le Mével, H., Miller, C. A., Ribó, M., Cronin, S., & Kula, T. (2023). The magmatic system under Hunga volcano before and after the 15 January 2022 eruption. Science Advances, 9(50), eadh3156. [Science Advances]
Cite this page:
APA 7: TWs Editor. (2023, December 25). Comparing the Magma Chambers Under the Hunga Volcano Before and After the 2022 Eruption. PerEXP Teamworks. [News Link]
