Volcanic Eruption Destroys Unique Life Forms & Tropical Landmass in Tonga
An island named Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai appeared in Tonga in 2015, created by volcanic activity.
It had a brief lifespan of 7 years and provided scientists with a unique opportunity to study life on new land masses.
The scientists discovered unusual bacteria species not expected to colonize new islands.
The bacteria were found to consume air gases and sulfur and most likely originated from deep beneath the island.
32 soil samples were taken from various non-vegetated areas for DNA analysis.
The bacteria were the most common near the volcano's cone and possibly reached the surface via underground volcanic networks.
40% of the top 100 germs discovered by sequencing could not be assigned to a recognized bacterial family.
The presence of unusual bacteria is thought to be influenced by the characteristics of volcanic eruptions, such as the abundance of sulfur and hydrogen sulfide gas.
The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano in 2022 put an end to the island's investigations, but provided scientists with a framework for future research on newly formed islands.
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