A coupled atmosphere-ocean source mechanism was a predictor of the 2022 Tonga volcanic tsunami

• Published in: Communications earth & environment 2024-09, Vol.5 (1), p.540-9, Article 540
• Main Authors: Song, Y. Tony, Callahan, Philip S., Desjonqueres, Jean-Damien M., Fournier, Severine, Willis, Josh K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Altimetry; Atmosphere; Early warning systems; Ejecta; Elastic waves; Emergency communications systems; Emergency warning programs; Ocean models; Ocean-atmosphere interaction; Pressure; Pressure sensors; Satellite altimetry; Tsunamis; Volume controls; Warning systems
• ISSN: 2662-4435; 2662-4435
• DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01694-z

Volcanic tsunamis pose significant threats to nearby coastal communities. Despite extensive research, the mechanism behind tsunami generation remains unclear, and the ability to forecast a destructive tsunami has proven elusive. Here we present findings from the 2022 Tonga volcanic incident, showing that the leading air-pressure wave holds promise as a key predictor of tsunami behavior. We constructed an integrated atmosphere-ocean model to explain the underlying mechanism and validated it with various data, including satellite altimetry measurements. Contrary to prior hypotheses, our results reveal that: (1) the eruption process governs both the air-pressure and tsunami dynamics; and (2) the resulting crater volume controls the volcanic ejecta that produces the air-pressure waves, while the corresponding mass loss in the ocean triggers influxes of water into the crater, generating the tsunami. This study unveils a coupled atmosphere-ocean source mechanism in generating volcanic tsunamis and advocates for incorporating air-pressure sensors into early warning systems.Volcanic tsunamis such as the 2022 Hunga-Tonga event, can be anticipated by air-pressure waves, which, if detected in time, can be used for early warning practices, based on integrated atmosphere-ocean models using satellite altimetry measurements.