A massive eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha‘apai volcano in 2022 sent shockwaves through Earth’s atmosphere, causing unexpected disruptions to satellite orbits. Researchers Li et al. investigated the cause of these waves using data from satellites and computer models.
Their study found that secondary gravity waves, created when initial eruption waves break apart higher up, matched satellite observations best. These faster and larger waves were responsible for the upper atmosphere’s dramatic changes. The findings reveal a link between geological events on Earth’s surface and space, improving our understanding of how to ensure satellite safety and weather predictions in space.
This research is critical as humans increasingly rely on satellites for communication, navigation, and climate monitoring. By understanding this connection, scientists can better predict and mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions on satellite systems.
Source: https://eos.org/editor-highlights/tongas-volcanic-fury-ripples-to-the-netherworld