Articles tagged with Volcanoes
Researchers reconstruct ancient Sunset Crater eruption, revealing high-explosivity phase with ash reaching 20km high. The study highlights the importance of carbon dioxide in volcanic eruptions and its potential impact on global climate.
Scientists have created a new numerical model to estimate the dimensions of umbrella clouds contributing to volcanic ash deposits. This tool helps understand past large explosive eruptions and improve forecast of future events. The research was applied to the 2,500-year-old eruption of Pululagua volcano in Ecuador.
Scientists at University of Sydney discover volcanic activity along Australia's east coast is caused by a special volatile mix of molten rock bubbling up from the younger, thinner crust. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest there could be more volcanic activity in the future.
Researchers suggest a cluster of Alaskan islands may be part of a single, undiscovered giant volcano, with implications for understanding caldera-forming eruptions and the frequent explosive activity at Mount Cleveland. The proposed caldera would be even larger than Okmok and could have had significant global effects.
A recent study reconstructed the geologic events leading to the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, revealing a sequence of cascading events that drove major destruction. The research team found that focusing on broader, longer history can help overcome tunnel vision and improve eruption forecasting.
Researchers have used powerful seismic imaging techniques to study the Alaska coastline's volcanic activity, revealing unexpected details about tectonic plates and volcano distribution. The new research highlights complexities in subduction zones and how they control volcano formation.
A new method using zircon crystals reveals that up to 350 km3 of magma are stored below Nevado de Toluca volcano, potentially leading to devastating eruptions. This technique provides a resolution two times higher than existing methods and is applicable to most types of volcanoes.
Researchers have developed a new drone technology that combines measurements from the air, earth and space to better understand highly active volcanoes. This allows for more accurate forecasting of future eruptions and provides insights into the global carbon cycle.
A team of researchers used specially-adapted drones to collect gas samples from Manam volcano in Papua New Guinea, enabling local communities to better predict future eruptions. The project also improved scientists' understanding of the Earth's carbon cycle and its contribution to sustaining life on Earth.
A team of astronomers used ALMA to capture radio images of Io during eclipses, showing the direct effect of volcanic activity on its atmosphere. They found that active volcanoes produce 30-50 percent of Io's atmosphere, with potassium chloride also present in volcanic regions.
Researchers at the University of Houston have located the long-debated Resurrection tectonic plate in northern Canada, shedding light on its existence and significance. The findings could aid in predicting volcanic hazards and mineral deposits.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how volcanoes experience stress, which can lead to collapse and eruptions. By studying a dormant volcano on La Palma, the team found that repeated movement of magma inside the volcano causes it to become 'stressed' and potentially unstable.
Researchers at Penn State used deep learning to clear up noise in radar satellite data, enabling near real-time observation of volcanic movements. The system can build an accurate picture of the land and its movements, spotting potential warning signs like sudden land shifts.
Tiny crystals containing iron, silicon, and aluminium increase magma viscosity, leading to violent eruptions. The discovery explains the mystery of sudden volcano eruptions, providing insights into geochemical processes.
Researchers found that nanolites, 10,000 times smaller than a human hair, increase magma viscosity, leading to explosive eruptions. The study uses cutting-edge imaging and Raman spectroscopy to demonstrate the surprising effect of nanolites on volcanic behavior.
A new study finds that massive volcanism sent great waves of carbon into the oceans thousands of years ago, but human emissions are now three to eight times faster. The consequences for life on land and in the water could be catastrophic.
A new data synthesis finds that nearly 3000 volcanoes have erupted over the last 2.6 million years, many associated with subsurface signatures of currently active magma within the shallow crust. The research reveals new details about the complex and time-evolving patterns of rising magma in the region.
Researchers discovered chemically diverse magmas beneath Galapagos volcanoes, which could become mobile and lead to unexpected explosive eruptions. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that volcanoes producing consistent basaltic lava flows are stable.
An international research group has demonstrated a mechanism for explosive disintegration of magma under water pressure. The team used a diving robot to examine ash deposits on the seabed and conducted experiments in a laboratory setting, revealing processes similar to those that occurred at a depth of 1,000 meters on the sea floor.
Researchers used 3D magnetotelluric imaging to image magma reservoirs beneath Weishan volcano, revealing vertically distributed low-resistivity anomalies and melt fractions of over 15%. The findings suggest the volcano is in an active stage with potential for future eruptions.
A recent study reveals that volcanic eruptions in the tropics lead to a decrease in global precipitation, primarily through the amplification of El Niño. The research found that the strength of El Niño is directly related to the magnitude of precipitation reduction.
Researchers used drones to create centimeter-resolution 3D models of a volcano in Guatemala, revealing slow expansion and fast extrusion of viscous lava. The study provides new possibilities for measuring ground movements and predicting volcanic danger.
Researchers analyzed volcanic samples from Santorini and Aegina to understand why they have different eruption styles. The study found that the islands' locations on the Aegean microplate led to varying lava mix recipes, resulting in calderas versus lava domes.
Researchers from Uppsala University discovered that hot magma from inside the Earth is forcing its way into a giant reservoir, keeping the Andean supervolcano alive. The study provides new insights into how large volcanoes work and could help increase chances of survival in case of a future eruption.
Researchers at the University of Miami found that prolonged and extreme rainfall in Hawaii's Big Island triggered the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. The team suggests local rainfall patterns contribute to timing and frequency of eruptions, with potential implications for other volcanoes.
Researchers used a new geochemical tool to analyze volatile elements in Earth's interior, revealing that nitrogen has been present since the planet's formation. The method, which identifies air contamination, provides valuable insights into the evolution of our planet and may also be used to monitor volcanic activity.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador is showing early warning signals of a potential collapse. The volcano's western flank is displaying rapid deformation, which could lead to a colossal landslide and widespread damage to the surrounding area.
A new technique uses seismic waves from distant earthquakes to image the subterranean structure of Cleveland volcano. The study, published in Scientific Reports, resolved the architecture of the lower and middle crust for the first time, providing crucial information for emergency planning and saving human lives.
Researchers have discovered a new petit-spot volcano in the Pacific Ocean near Minamitorishima Island, Japan. The young volcano is thought to have erupted less than 3 million years ago and provides valuable insights into the asthenosphere.
Researchers at GFZ Potsdam identified clear warning signs before the Anak Krakatau volcano's flank collapse, which triggered a deadly tsunami. The study analyzed data from various sources, including satellites and seismic data, to better understand the event and improve early warning systems for other volcanoes.
The Deep Carbon Observatory team estimates that only 0.02% of Earth's total carbon is above surface, while the rest is subsurface. Volcanic CO2 emissions are estimated to be 280-360 million tonnes per year, dwarfed by human-induced emissions.
A 900-mile stretch of volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire became dormant for 10 million years due to a prominent bend in the Hawaiian Islands chain and a crack in the Pacific Ocean Plate. The crack, formed by opposing plates moving in opposite directions, disrupted the water-laden conveyor belt that drives volcanic activity.
Researchers have discovered a connection between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions at Mount Aso in Japan. By analyzing very long period seismic waves, they found that earthquakes can trigger changes in pressure variations associated with magmatic activity, leading to eruptions.
Researchers developed a new method to predict vent location forecasts by combining physics and statistics, successfully testing it on the Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy. The approach improves accuracy for predicting future eruptions and expanding ash plumes, providing valuable insights for land usage planning in volcanic areas.
A new volcano monitoring platform, MOUNTS, analyzes satellite images using artificial intelligence to detect precursory signals and provide early warnings for volcanic eruptions. The platform, which integrates multiple sets of diverse data types, has been successfully tested on recent events and currently monitors 17 volcanoes worldwide.
Researchers discovered unusual rocks in East Africa that provide clues into the hazards associated with active volcanoes. The rocks, formed by intense eruptions, suggest that future eruptions at these volcanoes have the potential to cause significant harm, further from the volcano than previously thought.
Geoscientists have found evidence that material from the transition zone in Earth's mantle can percolate to the surface to form volcanoes. This discovery provides a new understanding of the relationship between the transition zone and volcanism, with implications for global geodynamics and the evolution of our planet.
Volcano seismologist Jacqueline Caplan-Auerbach studies Loihi's 1996 eruption for parallels to Kilauea's 2018 activity, suggesting a caldera collapse mechanism. Loihi's recent increase in seismicity may indicate magma replenishment, predicting Kilauea could be quiet for a decade before reactivating.
Scientists have discovered a major deep carbon sink linked to microbes near volcano chains, storing up to 19% more CO2 than previously believed. This finding reveals the critical role of microorganisms in buffering climate change by incorporating and forming calcite.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that volcanic eruptions in the Siberian Traps led to a global catastrophe known as the Great Dying, which killed off 95% of life on Earth. The eruptions released massive amounts of mercury vapor into the atmosphere, causing acid rain and warming the planet.
Researchers propose that metallic asteroids could have erupted volcanoes spewing liquid iron, with signs of 'ferrovolcanism' potentially detectable in iron meteorites. The study suggests NASA's Psyche mission may uncover evidence of past eruptions on the asteroid.
The Cascades Arc is home to a string of volcanoes with radically different histories, sparking researchers to look beyond individual volcanoes. By analyzing heat flow, seismic wave speeds, and other data sources, scientists aim to understand why some volcanoes erupt differently than others.
A new study by University of East Anglia researchers reveals that steep cliffs on volcanoes can cause a reversal in the pattern of deformation, leading to inaccurate tilt measurements. This affects data collected by monitoring equipment, such as tiltmeters, which are often placed on caldera rims.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals how quickly magma moves to the surface, providing a better understanding of volcanic systems. The research also sheds light on the internal 'plumbing' of volcanoes, improving frameworks for monitoring eruptions and unrest.
Scientists from Cardiff University propose that volcanic activity played a significant role in the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama, which formed around 2.8 million years ago. This discovery sheds light on one of Earth's most significant geological events, affecting global weather patterns and biodiversity.
Researchers conduct experiments with manmade lava to shed light on lava-water interactions, which can generate explosive eruptions. The study aims to improve scientists' ability to assess volcanic eruption risks.
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 new study on Ceres reveals that the dwarf planet's ice volcanoes generate an average of more than 13,000 cubic yards of cryovolcanic material each year. This amount is equivalent to filling a movie theater or four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
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.
A new study by a Virginia Tech geoscientist reveals that the Yellowstone super-volcano was powered by a gigantic ancient oceanic plate, not heat from the Earth's core. This ancient plate broke into pieces, resulting in explosive volcanic eruptions over the past 16 million years.
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.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison used an innovative approach to study the Laguna del Maule volcanic complex in Chile, measuring average uplift of 8 inches per year. The team found that magma rising under the area is causing rapid uplift, but also has a potential impact on future eruptions.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms in the sediment are extremely active and produce about 90% of the methane released from mud volcanoes. The study found that chemical processes play a smaller role in methane production, indicating that mud volcanoes have a significant impact on the global methane cycle.
New research published in Icarus suggests Mars had a cold and icy ancient climate, with evidence of volcanism interacting with ice sheets. The findings identify three distinct mineral combinations associated with glaciers, providing insight into the planet's past.
The mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Volcanoes has more than doubled over the past three decades due to concerted conservation efforts. A recent census found a minimum of 604 gorillas, representing a 26% increase from the previous estimate in 2010.
Researchers have developed a new method to recognize pre-eruption signals at volcanoes by analyzing crystals from past eruptions. By studying the chemistry of these crystals, they can reconstruct the volcano's history in time and location, potentially improving forecast accuracy.
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 used satellite data to identify a major magma supply into a reservoir extending almost two miles from the crater of Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua. The findings suggest that volcanoes can be fed magma through nearby underground channels, helping explain how they erupt without warning.
Researchers from PSU, Stanford, and USGS will investigate volcanic ash behavior to inform emergency evacuations and air traffic decisions. Using high-resolution cameras and lasers, they aim to gain a better understanding of how far volcanic particles drift and cluster.