Scientists Stunned As Volcano Removes Methane From the Air

Satellite data from the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai eruption showed unusually high formaldehyde in the plume.

Researchers say chlorine-rich volcanic chemistry likely broke down methane there, and may have removed methane from the stratosphere.

The finding points to a possible natural pathway for faster methane loss, which could matter for near-term climate warming.