A recent study led by scientists from the University of Auckland and Tonga reveals that underwater volcanic eruptions have a more significant and widespread impact on the climate than previously understood.

Focusing on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption, the research indicates that, despite releasing minimal atmospheric sulfur dioxide, such submarine eruptions can profoundly affect ocean temperatures and circulation patterns. This challenges earlier assumptions that underwater volcanoes play a negligible role in climate dynamics.

The findings show the importance of incorporating submarine volcanic activity into global climate models to enhance the accuracy of climate predictions.

Source: Environmental News Network