Scientists have discovered that seismic waves detected 15 minutes before the massive eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in January 2022 could provide critical early warning for future eruptions.
The research, led by volcanologist Takuro Horiuchi from the University of Tokyo, identified Rayleigh waves recorded by seismic stations 750 kilometers away in Fiji and Futuna. These waves, which began at 03:45 UTC, preceded the eruption at 04:00 UTC.
“Many eruptions are preceded by seismic activity,” Horiuchi explained. “However, such seismic signals are subtle and only detected within several kilometers of the volcano.”
The study suggests that fractures in the caldera wall allowed magma and seawater to mix, building explosive pressure that triggered the eruption.
“Island volcanoes can generate tsunamis,” warned co-author Mie Ichihara, emphasizing the importance of early warnings for disaster mitigation.
The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, offer hope for improved monitoring of undersea eruptions.