An underwater volcano erupted in Tonga (a country in the Pacific Ocean) recently. It is called the “Hunga Tonga Hunga Haapai” volcano. The eruption was huge and loud. Though the volcano was located under water and 2,383 km away, it was heard in Tonga. Also, the eruption created tsunami waves.

About the volcano

The volcano had been erupting for some days now. This was identified through the smell of ammonia and sulphur in some areas. The volcano is located in a seismically active area.

Meteo-tsunami waves

The volcanic eruption created tsunami waves in the nearby beaches and also in the regions around the Pacific. The tsunami waves caused by this type of volcano are called meteo tsunami waves. It is caused due to collapse of a part of the volcano. The meteo – tsunami waves are caused by instant changes in pressure that leads to displacement of large amount of water.

Hunga tonga

It is a volcanic island. It is located in Tonga. Tonga is a Polynesian country. It is an archipelago. It consists of 169 islands. It is surrounded by New Caledonia and Vanuatu in the west, Fiji, Futuna and Wallis in the north west, Niue in the east and Kermadec (New Zealand) in the south west.