Volcano Watch: Tonga eruption recorded on Hawaii infrasound network and globally

Pressure waves from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption on Jan. 15 recorded on two USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) infrasound sensors located south of Kīlauea volcano summit. The record is about 4 hours long. (USGS graphic/Special to West Hawaii Today)

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai is located about 40 miles north of the Tongan capital city of Nuku’alofa. As with many volcanoes in Tonga, the part of the volcano that is visible above water is small compared to the submarine extent of the edifice and eruptions can alternately grow new land or destroy any islands that are formed.