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Ancient Irish volcano offers new clues about the development of its modern-day, active “brothers and sisters”

Researchers found that magma plumbing systems beneath volcanoes can fluctuate between solid- and liquid-dominated states, providing new insights into volcano evolution. Ancient Carlingford Mountain fossilized remnants reveal a pulsatory fashion of development, offering a unique window into modern-day volcanic processes.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Petrology·DateJul 31, 2026

One of the Earth’s most important plate boundaries is older than previously thought

Researchers found evidence that the Aleutian Islands' subduction beneath the North American Plate occurred at least 56 million years ago, significantly earlier than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding tectonic and climatic processes that shaped the Earth's history.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

Better volcano eruption predictions on Earth--and Venus--thanks to Mauna Loa study

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze satellite data, combining public and private sources to predict lava flow patterns. The study's findings can aid in early warning systems for volcanic eruptions, providing critical information for safety and analysis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2026

A breakthrough in understanding the origin of Mount Etna

Researchers at the University of Lausanne uncover a breakthrough in understanding Mount Etna's origin, suggesting that the volcano may have formed through a mechanism similar to petit-spot submarine volcanoes. This discovery opens up new perspectives for understanding how other volcanic systems may form around the world.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateApr 13, 2026

How do giant caldera volcanoes fill up?

Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a region beneath the Kikai caldera in Japan that is filled with magma, which they believe is newly injected magma. This finding allows them to propose a general model for how magma reservoirs under caldera volcanoes refill, potentially improving our ability to predict future giant eruptions.

SourceKobe University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2026

Surprising findings on the structure of the Eifel volcanoes

A large-scale measurement campaign with over 500 seismic stations has produced the first high-resolution image of the structures beneath the Eifel volcanoes. The data reveals a magma reservoir deeper and differently oriented than previously assumed, with surprising findings on recent microearthquakes and fluid accumulations in the crust.

SourceGFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung·JournalSeismica·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Why some volcanoes don’t explode

Shear forces in volcanic conduits can create gas bubbles, leading to a decrease in pressure and preventing explosive eruptions. This process can occur even in magma with high gas content, explaining why some volcanoes flow gently despite being potentially explosive.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2025

Understanding volcanoes better

Scientists have detected tremor signals at the Oldoinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania, revealing details about magma movement and volcanic activity. The findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of magma movement and offer a step forward for volcano seismology.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateOct 13, 2025

Scientists detect deep Earth pulses beneath Africa

Research at the University of Southampton reveals a single, asymmetric plume beneath the Afar region in Ethiopia, which is pulsing like a heartbeat. The team found distinct chemical signatures in volcanic rock samples, suggesting that the plume is dynamic and responsive to tectonic plate movement.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Tapping into the World’s largest gold reserves

Scientists from the University of Göttingen have made a groundbreaking discovery, finding ruthenium in volcanic rocks on the islands of Hawaii. The finding suggests that material from the Earth's core is leaking into the mantle above, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's internal dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2025

Earth's orbital rhythms link timing of giant eruptions and climate change

Researchers found a synchronization between geological climate archives and large-scale volcanic eruptions in the Deccan Traps, which may have caused mass extinctions. The study suggests that changes in Earth's orbit around the sun regulate the amount of incoming solar radiation, affecting global climate patterns.

Ice streams move due to tiny ice quakes

Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered tiny ice quakes deep inside ice streams, explaining the discrepancy between simulations and satellite measurements. The findings impact sea-level rise estimates and may reveal fault planes in ice cores, providing a better understanding of ice stream deformation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2025

Unveiling a century of stress and deformation: Insights from Kīlauea Volcano’s 1975 earthquake

The study discovered significant alterations in the region's state of stress and deformation following the 1975 Kalapana earthquake. The researchers found that Kīlauea's south flank experienced greater displacement prior to the earthquake, pointing to changes in mechanical properties influencing seismic activity.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2024

Mystery of Uruguay’s amethyst geodes

Researchers from Göttingen University identified the low crystallisation temperatures and groundwater origin of amethyst geodes in northern Uruguay. The study proposes a new model explaining their formation, which could improve exploration techniques and lead to sustainable mining strategies.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalMineralium Deposita·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

Millions of years for plants to recover from global warming

A study by ETH Zurich scientists found that global warming's effects on plant recovery can last for thousands to millions of years. The research team discovered that the severity of climate shifts and the speed at which carbon is sequestered affect the duration of climate warming.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024

Uncovering the drivers of a million-year-old glacial transition

Researchers from the Mann Research Group found strong path dependence in Plio-Pleistocene glaciations, driven by a gradual decrease in regolith and volcanic outgassing. The study suggests that carbon dioxide levels determine the onset of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, and that it's not too late to act to prevent ice sheet collapse.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2024

Earth scientists describe a new kind of volcanic eruption

Researchers describe a new type of volcanic eruption mechanism at Kīlauea volcano, where explosive eruptions are driven by sudden pressure increases and collapse-induced stomp-rocket effect. This discovery provides new insights into the dynamics of past volcanic eruptions and allows for better forecasts and warnings for future eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 27, 2024

Study shows that Rio Grande Rise was once a giant mineral-rich tropical island near Brazil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo found evidence of a tropical island with rich mineral deposits, including cobalt and nickel, in the South Atlantic Ocean. The team's analysis of seafloor sediment samples suggests the area was once home to vegetation and had volcanic activity between 30-40 million years ago.