Researchers confirm 2022 volcanic eruption in South Pacific created hole in ozone layer

A team of atmospheric specialists can confirm now that the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai volcano eruption in the South Pacific last year took part of the ozone layer with it.

As reported on Phys.Org, the eruption on the Tonga islands was unique because it not only released volcanic materials but also ejected a substantial amount of ocean water into the atmosphere. The interaction of this saltwater with other atmospheric chemicals resulted in the breakdown of ozone (O3) in the ozone layer.

To assess the eruption's impact, the researchers sent balloons equipped with sensors into the atmosphere from closeby Réunion Island just five days after the eruption. Their data revealed that ozone levels in the volcanic plume were about 30% below normal levels. As the balloons tracked the plume across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, they observed a 5% ozone depletion. This depletion was attributed to ocean water reacting with chlorine-containing molecules in the atmosphere, causing a rapid breakdown of ozone.

While announcing their discovery in the Science journal, the research team pointed out that a 5% reduction in the ozone layer was not cause for alarm. It was a localized effect, and compared to the annual 60% depletion observed in the Antarctic ozone hole, this depletion was relatively minor in real-world terms.