Global Propagation of Ionospheric Disturbances Associated With the 2022 Tonga Volcanic Eruption

In this study, we use measurements from over 4,735 globally distributed Global Navigation Satellite System receivers to track the progression of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) associated with the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai submarine volcanic eruption. We identify two distinct Large Scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LSTIDs) and several subsequent Medium Scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) that propagate radially outward from the eruption site. Within 3,000 km of epicenter, LSTIDs of >1,600 km wavelengths are initially observed propagating at speeds of similar to 950 and similar to 555 ms(-1), before substantial slowing to similar to 600 and similar to 390 ms(-1), respectively. MSTIDs with speeds of 200-400 ms(-1) are observed for 6 hrs following eruption, the first of which comprises the dominant global ionospheric response and coincides with the atmospheric surface pressure disturbance associated with the eruption. These are the first results demonstrating the global impact of the Tonga eruption on the ionospheric state.

Automated summary

This study uses measurements from globally distributed Global Navigation Satellite System receivers to track the progression of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) associated with the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai submarine volcano. The results demonstrate the global impact of the Tonga eruption on the ionospheric state.