The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Hydration of the Stratosphere

Following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption, several trace gases measured by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) displayed anomalous stratospheric values. Trajectories and radiance simulations confirm that the H2O, SO2, and HCl enhancements were injected by the eruption. In comparison with those from previous eruptions, the SO2 and HCl mass injections were unexceptional, although they reached higher altitudes. In contrast, the H2O injection was unprecedented in both magnitude (far exceeding any previous values in the 17-year MLS record) and altitude (penetrating into the mesosphere). We estimate the mass of H2O injected into the stratosphere to be 146 +/- 5 Tg, or similar to 10% of the stratospheric burden. It may take several years for the H2O plume to dissipate. This eruption could impact climate not through surface cooling due to sulfate aerosols, but rather through surface warming due to the radiative forcing from the excess stratospheric H2O.

Automated summary

After the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption on 15 January 2022, anomalous stratospheric values of trace gases were observed, including H2O, SO2, and HCl. The injection of these gases was confirmed by trajectories and radiance simulations. The magnitude and altitude of the H2O injection were unprecedented, with a mass estimate of 146 +/- 5 Tg, which could have long-lasting impacts on climate.