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Updated: Jan 11, 2026
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Transient ice ring observed during the 15 January 2022 eruption of Hunga volcano
Andrew T Prata1,2, Roy G Grainger3, Isabelle A Taylor4
1Sub-Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, Oxford, UK.
Communications Earth & Environment
|November 17, 2025
Summary
The 2022 Hunga volcano eruption created a unique ice ring. Atmospheric waves from the blast caused temperature changes, allowing ice particles to form and offering insights into ice nucleation and growth.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Volcanology
- Satellite Remote Sensing
Background:
- The 2022 Hunga volcano eruption was a significant event, producing record plume heights and injecting substantial water into the stratosphere.
- Atmospheric waves were detected, indicating a widespread impact from the volcanic explosion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation of a transient ice ring observed around the Hunga volcanic plume.
- To understand the role of atmospheric waves in triggering ice particle formation and growth.
Main Methods:
- Utilized satellite measurements to observe and analyze the atmospheric phenomenon.
- Hypothesized the formation mechanism involving atmospheric waves and temperature oscillations.
Main Results:
- A transient ring of small ice particles (~2 μm) was detected around the volcanic plume.
- The ice ring formation was linked to atmospheric waves generated by a surface pressure pulse during the eruption.
- Observed ice particle nucleation and growth via vapor deposition in the wake of the atmospheric wave.
Conclusions:
- The Hunga eruption provided a natural experiment to study ice particle formation and growth dynamics.
- The study reveals the timescale of ice nucleation and growth following abrupt temperature perturbations.
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