Hunga volcano's seafloor plunged 700 meters during January 2022 eruption

On January 15th, 2022, Hunga Volcano in Tonga erupted violently, causing the ocean floor to collapse 700 meters. The caldera floor dropped from 150 meters to 850 meters below sea level. Scientists estimate 8.9 cubic kilometers of material was displaced, with the collapse amplifying the tsunami's destructive power across the Pacific.

These observations reveal previously unrecognized dynamics of submarine caldera formation and highlight the need to reassess hazard assessment associated with small caldera systems worldwide.