One of the most powerful volcanic eruptions on the planet blasted such a massive amount of water vapor high into the atmosphere that it's likely to temporarily warm the Earth's surface, according to detections from a NASA satellite.
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. One of the most powerful volcanic eruptions on the planet blasted such a massive amount of water vapor high into the atmosphere that it's likely to temporarily warm the Earth's surface, according to detections from a NASA satellite.
When the undersea Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano erupted on January 15, 40 miles north of Tonga's capital, it created a tsunami as well as a sonic boom that rippled around the world -- twice. The eruption sent a tall plume of water vapor into the stratosphere, which is located between 8 and 33 miles above the Earth's surface. It was enough water to fill 58,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to detections from a NASA satellite.
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