(CNN)A tsunami has hit Tonga’s largest island, Tongatapu, and reportedly sent waves flooding into the capital after an underwater volcano in the South Pacific exploded in a violent eruption on Saturday, sending a cloud of ash and gas steam into the air.Satellite imagery shows a massive ash cloud and shockwaves spreading from the eruption.
The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano was heard across the South Pacific, and eventually as far away as the US.
BBC: Many parts of Tonga, whose capital is just 65km south of the eruption, are experiencing a near-total blackout of power, phone lines and internet services. The extent of any injuries or damage is still unclear.
Bill McGuire (2014): Modelling suggests that as the ice cap continues to melt, so there will be a measurable increase in volcanic activity.
Active volcanos appear to trend somewhat upwards. However, it is probably still too early to make precise predictions and attributions. But, we know that deglaciation drives a gemorphological response from the Earth crust.
The role volcanoes play in climate change / global warming – highlighted in this video:
Could Tonga Volcano Give Climate a Breather? https://climatecrocks.com/2022/01/15/could-tonga-volcano-give-climate-a-breather/
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- The eruption of an undersea volcano in the South Pacific nation of Tonga caused an oil spill on the Peruvian coast https://apnews.com/article/oil-spills-business-spain-europe-peru-922d27e029e27effbf8c037468f068f3