An Island Forms from Fire
In 2015, a massive underwater volcanic eruption in the South Pacific led to the birth of a new island, Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai. The eruption connected the two separate Tongan islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Haʻapai, forming a land bridge that quickly captured scientists’ attention.
A Unique Land Bridge
This new island was unique, connecting the existing islands and expanding Tonga’s landmass. Scientists observed and studied the island, fascinated by its rapid geological formation and rare connection of two previously isolated islands.
The 2022 Explosion
On January 15, 2022, Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai erupted once more, this time with unprecedented force. The explosion was so powerful that it sent shockwaves around the globe and produced a massive tsunami. This event destroyed the fragile land bridge, separating the islands once again.
Gone but Documented
After only seven years, the land bridge had vanished, a short-lived formation in geological terms. Scientists gained valuable data from this event, which provided unique insights into volcanic island formation and the dynamic forces that can both create and dissolve land.
In 2015, a massive underwater volcanic eruption in the South Pacific led to the birth of a new island, Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai. The eruption connected the two separate Tongan islands of Hunga Tonga and Hunga Haʻapai, forming a land bridge. pic.twitter.com/IJ5ueHEwGq
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