A Massive Volcano Destroyed Methane in the Sky, and Scientists Are Stunned

Satellites detected formaldehyde in the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption plume, a sign that methane was rapidly broken down.

Researchers say reactive chlorine in the ash-and-gas cloud likely destroyed methane as the plume traveled across the atmosphere.

The result reveals a previously underappreciated natural cleanup process in volcanic plumes.

It could improve understanding of atmospheric chemistry and inspire future pollution-removal approaches.