Articles tagged with Magma
A new study argues that recent magmatic activity must have occurred underneath the surface of Mars for liquid water to exist beneath the kilometer-and-a-half thick ice cap. The research suggests that volcanic activity in the planet's subsurface could be providing heat to generate liquid water today.
Researchers have detected deep low-frequency earthquakes at great depths, suggesting the movement of magmatic fluids beneath Laacher See Volcano. The earthquakes are characterized by unusually low frequencies and occur episodically in groups along a specific depth range.
Researchers at Imperial College London suggest volcanoes are fueled by solid crystals and magma in small gaps, not molten magma chambers. This new model explains how eruptions occur and has implications for public safety and metal ore deposit formation.
A team of vulcanologists from ETH Zurich has found evidence suggesting the Phlegraean Fields are in the early stage of a new caldera cycle, which could lead to another massive eruption. The researchers used rock samples from previous eruptions to reconstruct the conditions in the crust and create a model of the cycle.
A team of geoscientists studied the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand, finding that smaller eruptions reset magma chambers over decades to centuries. This understanding can aid predictions of similar eruptions and mitigate supereruptions.
Guilherme Gualda and his students studied magma storage-depth evolution in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. They found that magma moved closer to the surface with each successive eruption, likely preventing supereruptions. The dynamic nature of the crust allowed for frequent, smaller eruptions to occur, preventing a massive eruption.
Researchers analyzed silicon and oxygen isotopes in zircon crystals to infer the presence of sedimentary rocks, such as cherts or banded iron formations, on early Earth. The findings suggest that these rocks may have existed over 4 billion years ago, providing a window into the planet's primordial chemistry.
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to reveal a 20-30 mile diameter subsurface batholith, which diverted magma outside the Cascade Arc, forming Mount St. Helens. The study provides clearer insights into the volcano's formation and potential for future activity.
Researchers found a common magma source connecting the two volcanoes, which led to changes in behavior before and after an eruption. The study provides new insights into volcano interactions and potential hazards in densely populated areas.
Researchers used deuterium to estimate heat flow in Yellowstone hot springs, accounting for both visible and subsurface water flows. The new method provides an important step towards understanding the complex processes driving Yellowstone's volcano and geothermal features.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new way to estimate the rate of magma recharge beneath the Yellowstone supervolcano. The team used deuterium in hot springs to calculate the amount of heat and water flowing out, revealing that previous studies underestimated these flows by significant amounts. This study has ...
Researchers identified repeating seismic events at volcanoes in Costa Rica, offering insights into magma movement and gas activity. Drumbeat seismicity at Turrialba may have preceded a small eruption, while earthquakes halted repeating events at Poas by altering the stress field around the volcano.
Researchers at University of Illinois found geological signs pointing to catastrophic supervolcano eruptions would be detectable hundreds to thousands of years before an eruption. The study suggests that people need not panic, as the precursors to massive eruptions will be long-lasting and far greater than recent seismic activity.
Scientists propose a new model where a heavy layer of molten rock sits on top of the Moon's metal core, driving the dynamo and creating a strong magnetic field. This model explains the Moon's early strong magnetic field and its subsequent weakening.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield will conduct exhaustive tests on a lightweight carbon fiber rail bogie frame, which could lead to significant savings for operators. The project uses recycled carbon fibers to reduce weight by up to 50% and track wear, resulting in lower maintenance costs.
A new study from the University of the Witwatersrand reveals that magmas can form chromite deposits through decompression as they rise to the surface, producing valuable resources like platinum and chromium. The study suggests that lithostatic pressure reduction plays a vital role in forming these deposits.
A new explanation for the Moon's origin proposes it formed inside a rapidly spinning, vaporized rock cloud called a synestia. The model resolves several problems in lunar formation and matches the pattern of the Moon's composition.
Researchers created a scaled-down model of an active volcanic plumbing system to study magma flow through dykes. The novel experimental setup revealed the simultaneous measurement of fluid flow, sub-surface deformation during magma ascent, challenging existing thinking on magma flow.
Researchers have discovered tiny crystals forming deep in volcanoes can signal impending eruptions, offering hope for more effective evacuations and early warning systems. The study, led by Dr. Teresa Ubide, uses a new laser technique to examine the composition of these crystals, which may hold the key to predicting volcanic activity.
Researchers propose a new scenario for ancient clay mineral formation on Mars, suggesting clays formed during the planet's creation from molten magma. The steamy atmosphere created by the magma ocean could have converted vast swaths of the surface to clay, leading to the widespread distribution seen today.
Researchers traced ancient zircon minerals' chemical signatures to understand the recycling of carbon from the mantle to the surface. The study suggests a series of fortunate events led to optimal conditions for releasing anomalous amounts of carbon, which in turn shaped the modern carbon cycle.
Researchers from UNIGE and Roma Tre used thermal and experimental models to explain caldera resurgence, a process that prevents volcanic eruptions. The leftover magma behaves like a 'rubber sheet' due to its higher viscosity, stopping the new magma from reaching the surface.
A research team recreated the lunar surface's formation and found that the Moon's crust initially formed from rock floating to the surface of a magma ocean. However, secondary processes resurfaced the Moon, exposing a younger, purer layer of plagioclase crust.
A new study by GFZ scientists suggests that giant lateral collapses can divert the deep paths of magmas, forming new eruptive centres within collapse embayment. This phenomenon is common in regions like the Canary Islands and Hawaii, with implications for understanding intraplate volcanic ocean islands' long-term evolution.
Geophysicist Seth Stein argues that scientifically inaccurate movies can be used to teach scientific lessons and foster skepticism. He incorporates disaster movies into his classroom lessons, training students to spot errors and seek true explanations.
Researchers caution that relying solely on zircon crystals can skew timescales for geological events, potentially millions of years. The findings have implications for understanding volcanic hazards and predicting future risks.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that supervolcano magma chambers contain a mixture of liquid and crystalline magma. The chambers may exhibit a sponge-like texture, with a mesh structure of crystallised rock and pores containing molten material.
Researchers found concentrated lithium in caldera lakes formed by ancient supervolcanic eruptions. This discovery aims to reduce reliance on single companies or countries for lithium supply, addressing global energy and climate change concerns.
A massive circular blob of partially molten rock, approximately 800 kilometers in diameter and 15 kilometers high, has been detected at the core-mantle boundary beneath Iceland. This discovery suggests a link between the ulvazs and rising plumes that feed active hotspots.
Researchers have discovered a 'reverse energy cascade' that traps rising magma in the crust, forming massive granite bodies like Yosemite's El Capitan. This process helps build better understanding of volcanoes, their impacts on global climate, and where large volcanoes are likely to occur.
Researchers are developing a method to forecast volcanic eruptions by analyzing satellite measurements and ground deformation data. By applying data assimilation techniques, they aim to improve predictions of magma movement and pressure buildup beneath volcanoes.
New research reveals genetic differences between Middle-Late Jurassic Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and W-bearing granites in the Nanling Range. A proposed model attributes the formation of these granites to asthenosphere upwelling and basaltic magma underplating, driven by palaeo-Pacific plate subduction.
Researchers analyzed zircon crystals in Taupo Volcanic Zone magma to determine its temperature history, finding a 'cool' period followed by rapid heating. The study's findings may help scientists recognize volcanoes on the verge of an eruption.
Research finds magma is more solid than liquid, with crystalline and mushy states existing simultaneously. The discovery could help predict volcano risks by identifying mobile magma.
ASU scientists develop technique using zircon crystals to trace pulses of heat inside a volcano, which may help better predict risk. The new findings suggest that heat pulses before an eruption both begin and end more abruptly than previously thought.
Large reservoirs of magma stored deep in the Earth's crust trigger 'super-eruptions' by slowly feeding magma into smaller reservoirs. This process can take millions of years, making these events rare.
Researchers at UCL and the Vesuvius Observatory used a new model to investigate Campi Flegrei's unrest, finding a build-up of energy that makes the volcano more susceptible to eruption. The study suggests an increased possibility of eruption in the near future.
Researchers examined rock samples from the Earth's mantle and found that water penetrated deep into the crust and upper mantle, cooling almost instantly. The discovery supports one side of a long-standing debate on crust formation and could have implications for fighting climate change.
Scientists at Université de Genève studied over 100,000 combinations to establish a model predicting the amount of copper present in deposits. The researchers found that factors such as magma depth and duration determine the quantity of copper, with optimal conditions ranging from 20 km depth and 2 million years injection time.
Researchers found the average temperature of Earth's mantle beneath ocean basins is about 60 degrees Celsius higher than previously thought, thanks to water in deep minerals. This discovery may change our understanding of tectonic plate movements and mantle viscosity.
Researchers used time-reversed convection modeling to reconstruct ancient mantle structure, finding a second upwelling contributing to the Deccan Traps eruption. A currently active hotspot, Réunion, was also active 65 million years ago.
Scientists at Uppsala University reveal the secret behind massive volcanic eruptions, discovering chemical clues in quartz crystals that hint at magma assimilating a local rock rich in water, leading to increased gas pressure and catastrophic eruptions.
Researchers from Université de Genève and Saint-Etienne propose a new method to estimate the size of metal deposits by modeling magma degassing. This approach uses high-precision geochronology and could identify deposits with the best potential early in the exploration process.
Researchers developed a model to forecast volcanic eruption impacts, analyzing past Mount Etna's eruption. This will help civil defence agencies prepare for potential UK threats.
Researchers have discovered a huge magmatic lake, 15 kilometers below a dormant volcano in Bolivia, which could help explain why and how volcanoes erupt. The find suggests that similar bodies of water may be 'hiding' under other volcanoes.
A team of researchers has found a new explanation for how big magma chambers form in the Earth's crust. They propose that rock fragments from the roof of magma chambers are expelled, like popcorn thrown out of a hot pan, and then float to the top of magma chambers due to boiling gases.
Researchers have discovered a huge dome in the central Andes formed by a massive magma body beneath it. The Altiplano-Puna plateau, which includes parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, has been uplifted by about one-fifth due to the injection of magma from below.
New faults in Mt. Aso's magma chamber and volcanic cones alter spatial and mechanical properties of the volcano, potentially changing its eruption dynamics. The study suggests that the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake accelerated the timing of a future eruption by creating new channels for magma venting.
Researchers from Uppsala University have analyzed crystals from recent eruptions to understand magma plumbing systems beneath Mt. Cameroon volcano. The findings suggest that shallow magma pockets play a crucial role in priming the volcano for eruption, increasing the likelihood of explosive eruptions.
A new study mapping Japan's Sakurajima volcano's 'plumbing system' reveals a substantial growing magma reserve, threatening the safety of nearby residents. The team believes their pioneering techniques could help improve eruption forecasting and hazard assessment globally.
Researchers developed a method to measure lithosphere strength using magnetotelluric imaging, revealing accurate descriptions of surface structures and correlating with volcanic and seismic activity. This technique may aid understanding of earthquake and volcanic processes.
Scientists have overturned traditional interpretations of the Susitna basin in Alaska, discovering that it was formed by a southwest-dipping thrust fault. This finding changes our understanding of the region's geologic evolution and the formation of iconic landmarks like Mount Susitna.
Magma-limestone interaction may help explain why volcanoes like Vesuvius are particularly explosive, as it releases CO2 that contributes to Earth's carbon cycle. The process also triggers extreme behavior in volatile elements, potentially driving eruptions and affecting the planet.
Researchers create high-pressure conditions to study the melting of forsterite, a mineral that makes up Earth's mantle. The experiments provide insight into how impact-generated magmas evolve and allow for modeling of Earth-type planets' inner structures.
Researchers found evidence that the mantle flows in a direction ahead of recent changes in plate motion, suggesting it may be responsible for past and current changes. The study also explored magma supply under mid-ocean ridges, finding larger volumes at segment ends than previously thought.
A new study suggests that super-eruptions can be predicted with a year's warning due to the growth of quartz crystals on their surface. The research found that most rim growth times are less than one year, indicating a one-year warning period before an eruption occurs.
Researchers from Italy suggest that gas pressure, rather than magma, is causing the ground to rise near the Bay of Naples volcano. The study contradicts previous assumptions and offers a new interpretation of the Campi Flegrei's geological activity.
Researchers found significant magma movement under Mount St Helens before 1980 eruption, indicating destabilization of magma system and possible future eruptions. Similar measurements may indicate risk at other well-studied volcanoes like Uturuncu in Bolivia.
The July 2016 issue of Geology features studies on pre-Mississippian tectonic affinity across the Canada Basin-Arctic margins, as well as hydrothermal alteration of seafloor peridotites. Researchers also investigate recent volcanic resurfacing of Venusian craters and cyanobacterial fossilization in Ediacaran siliciclastic environments.
Researchers used ancient granite to understand modern magma chambers, finding uniformity in biotite granite and subtle isotopic variations. The discovery could shed light on the volcanic-plutonic connection at supervolcanoes.