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The Largest Explosion Ever Recorded
The recent eruption that shattered records
On January 15th, 2022, the underwater volcano Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai blew itself to bits in a record-shattering explosion. The seamount had been erupting since December and the violent activity had allowed the surrounding sea to close over the top of the exposed crater. The mixture of pressure, water, and gas produced an explosion the likes of which haven’t been seen since the fateful detonation of Krakatoa in the late 19th century.
The blast produced ocean-crossing tsunamis and an ash plume that nearly reached outer space. The data, collected by a series of monitoring devices positioned around the world, is now being released by scientists who believe that this is the largest explosion ever recorded in modern history.
The Blast
Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai is located in the Tonga island chain in the South Pacific. When the explosion occurred it sent pressure waves circling the globe. The sound was so loud that it was audible in places as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and Alaska. Alaska is located roughly 10,000 km from the volcano.
The resulting atmospheric pressure wave, which registered on devices around the globe, clocked in at the same strength as the largest bomb ever detonated by humans — the Tsar Bomb test in 1961. But the volcano’s pressure wave lasted four times longer than the wave produced by the monster nuclear warhead.
Based on preliminary data measuring the strength, longevity, and reach of the atmospheric pressure waves the explosion at Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai was the largest atmospheric explosion ever recorded.
The ash plume that was sent skyward by the force of the blast reached heights of over 36 miles. That is the tallest ash plume ever recorded by satellite data. The ash plume reached heights taller than most commercial airlines fly. The massive amount of ash being spewed…
