Lightning Rings and Gravity Waves: Insights Into the Giant Eruption Plume From Tonga's Hunga Volcano on 15 January 2022

Eaton, Alexa R. Van; Lapierre, Jeff; Behnke, S. A.; Vagasky, Chris; Schultz, Christopher J.; Pavolonis, Michael J.; Bedka, Kristopher M.; Khlopenkov, K.

doi:10.1029/2022gl102341

Cited by 12 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 74 publications

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“…data (Matoza et al, 2022) and tsunami runup measurements in the Tonga Archipelago (Purkis et al, 2023) also indicate an explosive event at that emission time. In addition, Van Eaton et al (2023) found a sudden increase in the plume's width at 04:07 UTC using GOES-17 full disk visible images. This minor anomaly is followed by two larger anomalies at 05:00 UTC (∼0.8 hPa, emission time 04:15 UTC) and 05:07 UTC (∼2.1 hPa, emission time 04:22 UTC).…”

Section: The Surface Pressure Waveformmentioning

confidence: 93%

One‐Minute Resolution GOES‐R Observations of Lamb and Gravity Waves Triggered by the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai Eruptions on 15 January 2022

Horváth,

Vadas,

Stephan

et al. 2024

JGR Atmospheres

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We use high temporal‐resolution mesoscale imagery from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite‐R (GOES‐R) series to track the Lamb and gravity waves generated by the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruption. The 1‐min cadence of these limited area (∼1,000×1,000 km2) brightness temperatures ensures an order of magnitude better temporal sampling than full‐disk imagery available at 10‐min or 15‐min cadence. The wave patterns are visualized in brightness temperature image differences, which represent the time derivative of the full waveform with the level of temporal aliasing being determined by the imaging cadence. Consequently, the mesoscale data highlight short‐period variations, while the full‐disk data capture the long‐period wave packet envelope. The full temperature anomaly waveform, however, can be reconstructed reasonably well from the mesoscale waveform derivatives. The reconstructed temperature anomaly waveform essentially traces the surface pressure anomaly waveform. The 1‐min imagery reveals waves with ∼40–80 km wavelengths, which trail the primary Lamb pulse emitted at ∼04:29 UTC. Their estimated propagation speed is ∼315 ± 15 m s−1, resulting in typical periods of 2.1–4.2 min. Weaker Lamb waves were also generated by the last major eruption at ∼08:40–08:45 UTC, which were, however, only identified in the near field but not in the far field. We also noted wind effects such as mean flow advection in the propagation of concentric gravity wave rings and observed gravity waves traveling near their theoretical maximum speed.

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Section: The Surface Pressure Waveformmentioning

confidence: 93%

One‐Minute Resolution GOES‐R Observations of Lamb and Gravity Waves Triggered by the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai Eruptions on 15 January 2022

Horváth,

Vadas,

Stephan

et al. 2024

JGR Atmospheres

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“…After securing the plate to the impulse platform using a screw stand, the electrode and sample are enclosed in an acrylic box (secured by a Velcro strap) surrounding the electrode to contain post‐experimental material. Since peak values of thunderstorm cloud‐to‐ground lightning average 30 kA (Rakov & Uman, 2003) and volcanic lightning discharge ranges between ∼2 kA and hundreds of kA (Aizawa et al., 2016; Haney et al., 2018; Van Eaton et al., 2020, 2023), but is typically on the lower end of this range, the mineral powders were subjected to peak impulse currents of ∼25 and ∼40 kA. The current waveforms were recorded by a Tektronix TDS7104 1 GHz bandwidth digital oscilloscope at a sampling interval of 2 ns.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Raman Spectroscopic Study of Lightning‐Induced Glass Produced From Five Mineral Phases

Woods,

Genareau,

Park

2024

Earth and Space Science

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Lightning‐induced volcanic spherules (LIVS) are glasses produced by the rapid melting and solidification of molten volcanic ash grains. High temperatures generated by lightning will alter the physical and chemical properties of minerals exposed to the discharge. Laboratory experiments reveal that LIVS glass composition varies depending on the starting material, exhibiting heterogeneous compositional features common in other glasses created by cloud‐to‐ground lightning, nuclear explosions, and high velocity impact events. This study uses scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy to investigate the structure and Raman signatures of lightning‐induced glass spherules manufactured from five igneous minerals (<32 μm powders of albite, labradorite, augite, hornblende, and magnetite). LIVS were created through high‐current impulse experiments using peak currents of 25 and 40 kA. Analysis of the post‐experimental albite, labradorite, augite, and hornblende LIVS reveal primarily homogeneous silicate or aluminosilicate glasses with limited heterogeneity. Their amorphous Raman spectra are comparable to rhyolitic and mafic natural glasses along with Na2O‐K2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2, CaCO3‐Al2O3‐SiO2, and CaO‐MgO‐SiO2 synthetic glass networks. A few of the augite and hornblende LIVS spectra exhibit premelting effects, which occur below the melting point and represent the onset of cation disordering in phases that remain crystalline. Magnetite samples produced crystal‐rich, glass‐poor LIVS characterized by the growth of dendritic microcrystals and crystalline spectra that also contain a few bands alluding to the composition of their silicate–phosphate glass matrix. By understanding these chemical changes induced by lightning, we can extract information from other types of glasses produced during high temperature, short duration events.

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“…• A sufficiently powerful volcanic plume can create conditions conductive to electrical activity (Van Eaton et al, 2023).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It was analyzed that the intense lightning activity during the eruption of Hunga Volcano in Tonga in January 2022, attributing it to the exceptional mass eruption rate that rapidly expanded and entrained abundant seawater, leading to its vaporization through magma-water interaction. The findings show that a sufficiently powerful volcanic plume can create the conditions for electrical activity (Van Eaton et al, 2023). (Latham & Williams, 2001) reported that the efficiency of lightning fires is less than 0.04 fires per cloud-to-ground flash or approximately one to four flashes in 100 starting fires in much of North America.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

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Weathering the Storm: Mitigating Hurricanes with Ground-Based CCN and Lightning

Chaganti,

Cheruvu

2023

GEP

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This research introduces a groundbreaking methodology aimed at mitigating storm and hurricane intensity through the application of a ground-based, manually operated Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) Generator. To meet the demand for more comprehensive context and rationale, this study explores the escalating challenges presented by the growing intensity of hurricanes, exemplified by Hurricane IAN (2022). The controlled release of environmentally friendly aerosols into the atmosphere, achieved by combusting selected wood pieces and organic edible materials, is a pivotal response to the escalating threat of extreme weather events. By generating CCN, the novel approach seeks to augment positive lightning in the eyewall, providing a potential solution to the intensification of hurricanes. Results illustrate the successful implementation of the methodology, with released aerosols effectively reaching the clouds for seeding, thus contributing to the modification of convection in the outer wall of Hurricane IAN and consequent intensity reduction. Rigorous experiments, incorporating considerations of various parameters such as wind patterns and the experimental location in Sarasota City, emphasize the scientific rigor applied to weakening Hurricane IAN. This comprehensive approach not only holds promise in mitigating hurricane intensity but also sheds light on the potential impact of cloud seeding in reducing the severity of future hurricanes, addressing a critical need for sustainable solutions to climate-related challenges.

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Lightning Rings and Gravity Waves: Insights Into the Giant Eruption Plume From Tonga's Hunga Volcano on 15 January 2022

Cited by 12 publications

References 74 publications

One‐Minute Resolution GOES‐R Observations of Lamb and Gravity Waves Triggered by the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai Eruptions on 15 January 2022

One‐Minute Resolution GOES‐R Observations of Lamb and Gravity Waves Triggered by the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai Eruptions on 15 January 2022

A Raman Spectroscopic Study of Lightning‐Induced Glass Produced From Five Mineral Phases

Weathering the Storm: Mitigating Hurricanes with Ground-Based CCN and Lightning

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