The plume from an undersea Tonga volcanic eruption last month reached the mesosphere — the third layer of Earth's atmosphere.
NASA scientists estimate that it was likely the highest volcanic plume ever recorded, with gas, steam and ash rising 36 miles after the explosion, the aftereffects of whichScientists were able to make these estimates because two weather satellites were uniquely positioned to observe the aftermath of the explosion.
“The combination of volcanic heat and the amount of superheated moisture from the ocean made this eruption unprecedented. It was like hyper-fuel for a mega-thunderstorm,” Bedka added.
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