Research reveals that volcanic eruptions can create plasma bubbles in the ionosphere, disrupting satellite communication and prompting a reevaluation of current atmospheric interaction models. An international team, led by Professor Atsuki Shinbori and Professor Yoshizumi Miyoshi from Nagoya University, explored the impact of the Tonga underwater volcano eruption—recorded as the largest submarine eruption in history—on the ionosphere using the Arase and Himawari-8 satellites, alongside ground-based observations. They found that the eruption triggered an equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) which impeded satellite signals by creating irregularities in ionospheric electron density.
Surprisingly, the study showed that ionospheric fluctuations began several minutes to hours before the arrival of the pressure waves typically expected from such eruptions, suggesting significant limitations in existing geosphere-atmosphere-cosmosphere coupling models. The research further indicated that the EPB formed at unexpectedly high altitudes, extending beyond the typical ionosphere into space, indicating a need for a better understanding of the cosmosphere’s connection during extreme natural events.
These findings carry substantial implications for space weather predictions and disaster prevention, enhancing strategies to mitigate potential communication disruptions caused by similar geological occurrences.
