Articles | Volume 24, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3095-2024
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3095-2024
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16 Sep 2024
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 16 Sep 2024

Volcano tsunamis and their effects on moored vessel safety: the 2022 Tonga event

Sergio Padilla, Íñigo Aniel-Quiroga, Rachid Omira, Mauricio González, Jihwan Kim, and Maria A. Baptista

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The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption on January 15, 2022, caused a volcano-meteorological tsunami (VMT) that was detected globally. Over 10,000 kilometres from the eruption site, the moorings of a ship in Callao, Peru, failed, releasing more than 11,000 barrels of crude oil 15 hours post-eruption. The authors explore whether the Tonga 22 event led to the mooring failure. They analysed data from tide gauges, DART buoys, and barometers in the Southern Pacific Ocean. The maximum energy of the spectra showed a 120-minute wave period off the coast of Peru, coinciding with the accident's timing. Using a Boussinesq model, which simulates the movement and impact of waves in water, the authors examined the VMT's wave propagation to the Peruvian port and assessed the impact on the mooring system. The results indicated that the 120-minute wave significantly increased mooring stresses, surpassing the Minimum Break Load (MBL). The authors conclude that the VMT's long wave period caused mooring line overstresses, leading to port accidents. This event highlights the importance of Tsunami Early Warning Systems and port authority preparedness for VMTs induced by atmospheric acoustic waves, offering new insights into the Tonga 2022 tsunami's extensive impacts.
Short summary
The eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai volcano in January 2022 triggered a global phenomenon, including an atmospheric wave and a volcano-meteorological tsunami (VMT). The tsunami, reaching as far as Callao, Peru, 10 000 km away, caused significant coastal impacts. This study delves into understanding these effects, particularly on vessel mooring safety. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing early warning systems and preparing port authorities for managing such rare events.
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