A recent study by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) has established an important link between volcanic eruptions and ionospheric disturbances, helping to understand space weather and its impact on satellite communications.
Key Findings of the Study
- Ionospheric Disturbances: The study found that strong atmospheric gravity waves generated by volcanic eruptions, such as the Tonga volcanic eruption (2022), reach the upper atmosphere. These waves lead to the formation of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs), which decrease the ionospheric density, and interfere with satellite communications and systems such as GPS.
- Impact on Satellite Communication and Navigation Systems: EPBs cause disturbances in satellite communications, which increase especially after sunset. These disturbances affect navigation systems, air traffic control, and other satellite-based services.
- Formation of Ionospheric Bubbles and EPBs: Scientists conducted an in-depth study of ionospheric bubbles and ionospheric conditions. Their analysis shows that gravity waves generated by volcanoes create favourable conditions for the formation of EPBs, which are the main cause of communication disruptions.
Volcanism and its effects
Positive effects
- Short-term cooling: Particles released from volcanic eruptions block the sun’s radiation in the atmosphere, which can lead to temporary cooling.
- Source of geothermal energy: Volcanic activities make it possible to generate free electricity for local communities, thereby meeting their energy needs.
- Improvement in soil fertility: Volcanic ash makes the land more fertile, which increases agricultural productivity.
- Minerals and mining opportunities: Volcanoes bring valuable minerals to the surface along with magma, creating new mining opportunities.
- Tourism: Volcanic sites promote tourism, which is beneficial for the local economy.
Negative effects
- Effect on climate: Volcanic dust and gases can enter the atmosphere and cause climate change. This can lead to a drop in global temperatures and unstable weather patterns.
- Natural disasters: Tsunamis triggered by volcanic eruptions, such as the Tonga eruption (2022), can be massively destructive.
- Environment and life hazards: Ash and lava released from volcanic eruptions can severely affect the surrounding environment, life, property and landscape, causing loss of life and economic damage.
Volcano
- A volcano is a hole in the Earth’s crust through which magma, gases, ash and steam are released onto the Earth’s surface during an eruption. These eruptions are caused by excessive energy and pressure stored in the Earth’s interior. Volcanic activity is considered part of endogenous processes, as it originates from inside the Earth and affects the outer surface.
Landforms formed as a result of volcanic activity
Extrusive landforms
- Plateaus: If the volcanic eruption is calm and less violent, extensive plateaus are formed by the flowing lava.
- Volcanic mountains: If the eruption is violent and powerful, volcanic mountains such as stratovolcanoes are formed.
Intrusive Landforms
- Baccolith: When magma cools and solidifies inside the Earth’s crust and takes the form of solid rock, it is called a baccolith.
- Laccolith: The solidification of magma at a shallow depth is called laccolith, which forms a dome-shaped structure.
Magma vs Lava
- Magma: It is a mixture of molten rocks and gases found in the interior of the Earth. It is usually found in the asthenosphere, a weak part of the Earth’s mantle.
- Lava: When magma comes to the surface through a volcano, it is called lava. The lava spreads on the surface and cools down to take the form of solid rock.
Methods for predicting volcanic eruptions
- Seismic data: Small earthquakes or tremors occur before a volcanic eruption, which are recorded to predict the likelihood of volcanic activity.
- Ground deformation: Changes in the ground surface caused by the pressure of magma are monitored. If the surface is rising or deforming, it may mean that magma is moving toward the surface.