The Hunga volcano eruption in Tonga this past week was one of the most powerful eruptions in the last 30 years, according to scientists. On the ground level, the eruption smothered the island nation with ash and water, but high up in the air, the blast created one of the most powerful shock waves ever detected in the Earth’s atmosphere, according to atmospheric physicist Corwin Wright at the University of Bath in the UK. Wright speaks to host Marco Werman about the possible impacts of this shock wave and what scientists hope to learn.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.