loading page

Global propagation of ionospheric disturbances associated with the 2022 Tonga Volcanic Eruption
  • +7
  • David R Themens,
  • Chris Watson,
  • Nedjeljka Žagar,
  • Sergiy Vasylkevych,
  • Sean Elvidge,
  • Anthony Mccaffrey,
  • Paul Prikryl,
  • Ben Reid,
  • Alan Wood,
  • P T Jayachandran
David R Themens
University of Birmingham

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Chris Watson
University of New Brunswick
Author Profile
Nedjeljka Žagar
Universität Hamburg
Author Profile
Sergiy Vasylkevych
Universität Hamburg
Author Profile
Sean Elvidge
University of Birmingham
Author Profile
Anthony Mccaffrey
University of New Brunswick
Author Profile
Paul Prikryl
University of New Brunswick
Author Profile
Ben Reid
University of New Brunswick
Author Profile
Alan Wood
University of Birmingham
Author Profile
P T Jayachandran
University of New Brunswick
Author Profile

Abstract

In this study, we use measurements from over 4,735 globally distributed Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers to track the progression of travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) associated with the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai submarine volcanic eruption. We identify two distinct Large Scale TIDs (LSTIDs) and several subsequent Medium Scale TIDs (MSTIDs) that propagate radially outward from the eruption site. Within 3000 km of epicenter, LSTIDs of >1600 km and ~1350 km wavelengths are initially observed propagating at speeds of ~950 ms-1 and ~555 ms-1, before substantial slowing to ~600 ms-1 and ~390 ms-1, respectively. MSTIDs with speeds of 200-400 ms-1 are observed for six hours following eruption, the first of which comprises the dominant global ionospheric response and coincides with the atmospheric surface pressure disturbance associated with the eruption. These are the first results demonstrating the global impact of the Tonga eruption on the ionospheric state.
16 Apr 2022Published in Geophysical Research Letters volume 49 issue 7. 10.1029/2022GL098158