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[pulsing music]

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Text: On Jan. 15, 2022 an underwater volcano in the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga exploded violently

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in what was likely the largest recorded eruption on Earth in decades. 

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Satellites in orbit captured dramatic images of the eruption as well as another eruption 36 hours earlier.

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The events devastated Tonga, causing at least three fatalities, widespread tsunami damage,

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and a thick layer of ash to fall, which contaminated local drinking water.

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NOAA and international satellites captured images of energy waves emanating from the second eruption,

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as well as atmospheric shockwaves traveling around the world,

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which were audible thousands of miles away in Alaska, and shook homes in the Yukon.

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The main plume from the eruption likely reached 19 miles high into the atmosphere. 

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The island of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai was first formed in 2014 and 2015 due to an eruption of the same volcano.

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It was the first of its kind to form in 53 years, providing scientists with a unique view of the birth and evolution of the island.

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Satellites operated by NOAA and its international partners play a crucial role in detecting volcanic activity, alerting those in harm’s way of an eruption,

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and monitoring the hazards associated with volcanic eruptions including volcanic ash and tsunamis.

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Title: Earth from Orbit: Tongan Eruption Ripples Around Globe