The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Eruption: A Globe-sized Wet Blanket
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption in January 2022 was a volcanic event like we have never seen before. It captured the world’s attention with its sheer power and dramatic impact. This underwater volcano, located in the South Pacific Ocean, erupted with such force that it sent shockwaves around the globe. Triggered a tsunami that affected coastlines as far away as Japan and the Americas. And injected a huge amount of moisture into the earth’s atmosphere.
It is this moisture we are discussing today. And how the far-reaching effects of the eruption can influence weather patterns here in KZN, South Africa. Almost the other side of the world!
In Video
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58 000 Olympic Pools
The eruption was so powerful that it blasted an enormous plume of water vapour into Earth’s stratosphere. Enough to fill more than 58,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. This massive injection of water vapour has the potential to temporarily affect Earth’s global average temperature, a phenomenon that scientists are closely monitoring.
The eruption also created a new island in the Tonga archipelago. This island, formed by the cooling and solidification of lava, has grown significantly since its initial formation. Satellite imagery has captured the island’s rapid expansion, with the most recent activity adding another 3.7 hectares (9.2 acres) to its size. The island now offers new habitats for pioneer species such as bacteria, algae, lichens, insects, and seabirds.
Environmental Impact
The impact of the eruption on marine ecosystems has been mixed. While some substances found in underwater plumes, such as iron, can encourage the growth of phytoplankton, the hot, acidic plumes are also known to be harmful to many species of fish and other marine life. The eruption has also had significant effects on local communities, with the tsunami waves devastating small islands and forcing residents to relocate.
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our planet. As scientists continue to study this event, we gain valuable insights into the powerful forces that shape our world and the delicate balance of our environment.
Stay tuned to The Sardine News for more updates on this and other fascinating natural phenomena.
Sardines and Sighting Maps
We have started the 2025 Sardine Run Map! Download our app to your phone or device, accept notifications, and you will never miss a single sardine.
2024 was a thrilling year for sardines. All the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. The 2024 map has been viewed 200 000 times and just keeps going.
Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. Last year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! This year we have had two sailboat incidents already. PLUS, we have already logged some sardines!
Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps…
2024 Sardine Map
2023 Sardine Map
2021 Sardine Map
Channels
Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining surf reporting
Master Watermen – news from way down deep
The Sardine News – neva miss a single sardine
FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus
MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical sport fishing
Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely
Water Woes – complain about your municipality
Diving Divas – girls only
