By Laura Paddison, CNN (CNN) — When an underwater volcano erupted in the South Pacific in January 2022, it sent a plume of ash, steam and gas nearly 40 miles above the Earth’s surface. It was one of the most violent volcanic eruptions of modern times. It may also have also revealed a new weapon in the fight against a potent planet-heating gas, according to new research. The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted with a power hundreds of times…