Articles tagged with Volcanoes
Underwater asphalt volcanoes, 10 miles off Santa Barbara coast, discovered by scientists funded by NSF, are 700 feet deep and 1 km apart. The structures were formed 30,000-40,000 years ago from petroleum flow, and were a prolific source of methane.
Scientists are using infrasound to monitor volcanoes in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth, for early warning of eruptions that could threaten passenger airlines and cargo ships. The technology aims to discriminate between different eruptive styles, improving alert systems for volcanic ash clouds.
A new special issue of Oceanography presents groundbreaking research on seamounts, highlighting the importance of these underwater mountains for marine life and global ocean health. The study reveals devastating impacts from overfishing and habitat destruction, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices.
Researchers have discovered the deepest undersea erupting volcano, West Mata Volcano, located nearly 4,000 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. The eruption has produced unique boninite lavas and acidic water conditions, providing a rare opportunity to study magma formation and oceanic cycles.
Researchers found that longer dormant periods and thicker magma increase the length of a volcano's 'run-up' before an eruption. This can help scientists estimate when a rumbling volcano might erupt and how long to stay on alert after an eruption starts.
Seismic images of a mantle plume extending to depths of at least 1,500 kilometers reveal the roots of Hawaii's volcanic hotspot. The PLUME project provides high-resolution seismic images of the structure beneath the island of Hawaii.
A study published in Geology has used InSAR to detect signs of activity in four volcanoes in Kenya's Rift Valley, showing episodic pulses of magma arriving at the crust. The findings highlight the geothermal potential of the region and pose a challenge for human hazard risk management.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that giant volcanoes played a pivotal role in an ancient ice age and mass extinction. The volcanoes released massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing global warming before stopping, which led to the ice age.
This field guide features 33 geological trips in the Pacific Northwest, covering topics such as volcanoes, floods, and vineyard terroir. The guide offers new insights into the region's geologic processes and history, inspiring readers to explore and understand this dynamic corner of the world.
Researchers measured the speed of magma rise during a Plinian eruption, revealing it could ascend from interior to surface within four hours. This rapid ascent raises concerns about the feasibility of timely evacuations and warnings before such eruptions.
A team of scientists has deployed a seismic network around Isla Isabela in the Galapagos to study Sierra Negra volcano. The new data will provide the first 3-D pictures of the volcanic plumbing system, helping to clarify its depth and extent.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Nicholas Lang is studying three ancient Martian volcanoes to better understand the planet's history and potential water sources. The study may have implications for the search for life on Mars, as liquid water could have existed in the past.
Research highlights the role of large igneous provinces (LIPs) in shaping Earth's surface, while also uncovering new climate oscillation patterns. Experts analyze topographic metrics to understand hillslope evolution, resolving long-standing debates over porphyroblasts and neptunian eruptions.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a connection between the sound produced by volcanic eruptions and jet engines. By analyzing infrasound from Mount St. Helens and Tungurahua volcanoes, they found that the large-amplitude signals are generated in a similar way to smaller-scale man-made jets.
Scientists discovered dynamic microbial communities in deep-sea mud volcanoes and brine pools with harsh conditions, supporting life processes on early Earth, Mars, and moons like Jupiter's Europa. These findings provide new insights into microbial adaptation and the potential for life beyond Earth.
Scientists have re-examined Hawaii's formation, finding the Pacific oceanic plate moved under a drifting hotspot, creating a 50 million-year-old bend in the seamount chain. Mantel circulation models aid understanding of forces on tectonic plates and stress estimation for major earthquakes.
A new study reveals that dust storms and volcanic eruptions have a significant impact on the Atlantic Ocean's temperature. The researchers used satellite data and climate models to find that changes in African dust storm and tropical volcano activity account for about two-thirds of the upward trend in recent decades.
A team of volcanologists developed a new program to quickly and accurately predict areas at high risk for lethal hazards from volcanic eruptions. The program uses existing GIS data to create maps that outline potential surge damage, enabling decision-makers to evacuate or put people on high alert.
Three Alaska volcanoes erupted in midsummer 2008, with Cleveland, Okmok, and Kasatochi volcanoes making significant changes to the landscape. Researchers from the Alaska Volcano Observatory shared their findings on recent eruptions at the American Geophysical Union's fall meeting.
Scientists have found that magma recharges volcanoes repeatedly, causing episodic eruptions at the surface. This new understanding increases the challenge of predicting future eruptions, with implications for volcanic monitoring and management.
Researchers have discovered that studying crystal formation in volcanoes can reveal the timing between magma movement and eruptions. This technique allows scientists to better understand individual volcano behavior, helping inform civil defense decisions.
A linear string of mud pots and volcanoes indicates a surface evidence for the southern extension of the San Andreas Fault. Researchers identified 33 geothermal features forming a clear pattern, revealing a planar rift extending to considerable depth in the crust.
Researchers mapped an elaborate maze of magma chambers beneath Iceland's volcanoes, providing insights into the chemical composition of molten rock and gases released during eruptions. The study suggests that Icelandic volcanoes are likely to have explosive eruptions with devastating local and potential global effects.
Researchers found pyroclastic deposits, glassy rock fragments, and talus blocks at 4,000 meters below sea surface. The discovery suggests that deep-sea volcanic eruptions are possible due to high CO2 buildup in magma.
The world's fastest-growing mud volcano, Lusi, is collapsing and could subside to depths of over 140 meters, according to new research from Durham University. The volcano, which erupted in 2006, has caused significant damage and displacement, with 14 people killed and 30,000 evacuated.
Scientists from Durham University are exploring the Mid-Atlantic Ridge tectonic plate boundary using robots to map individual volcanoes and collect rock samples. The research aims to shed light on the timescales behind Earth's crust formation and related tectonic plates.
A new seismic model reveals that earthquakes at Mount St. Helens are caused by a resonating fluid-filled crack filled with steam, driving a small explosive eruption if the pattern is disturbed. This finding challenges the previous stick-slip model and provides a more detailed understanding of the volcano's behavior.
Geologists at the University of Illinois report a direct relationship between magma production and tectonic plate convergence rates in a Caribbean submarine volcano. Analyzing rock samples from Kick'em Jenny, they found a higher protactinium-to-uranium ratio indicative of slower melting rates due to slow subduction rates.
The emergence of oxygen-producing cyanobacteria released oxygen at levels similar to today, but it had nowhere to go. Terrestrial volcanoes later arose and dominated, increasing oxygen levels in the atmosphere.
A geologist is working with an international committee to develop an emergency plan for Quito, Ecuador, which sits near an active volcano. The plan aims to educate the public and government officials on the dangers of volcanic eruptions and provide escape routes.
A new study uses satellite imagery to detect location of seismic unrest at Mauna Loa, bringing closer understanding of where an eruption may occur. Researchers can now more precisely forecast locations of volcanic activity, providing critical information for populated areas.
Scientists found strong evidence that a major earthquake can cause a nearly immediate increase in regional volcanic activity. The intensity of two ongoing eruptions on Indonesia's Java Island increased sharply following a powerful earthquake, and the increased activity persisted for about nine days.
Researchers at Rutgers University have found chemical evidence of recycled rocks in Hawaiian volcanoes, suggesting the Earth's crust is being recycled on a grand scale. This discovery extends beyond calcium and includes other elements such as sulfur, hafnium, and lead, which provide clues about the origin and behavior of magma.
A team of researchers found that earthquake swarms can occur anywhere with seismic activity, challenging the long-held assumption that they are only linked to volcanic and geothermal zones. The study suggests that swarminess in these areas may be driven by hot water or magma pushing fault seams apart.
Geologists at Rutgers University have created three hands-on demonstrations to explain how volcanoes form and evolve. These interactive activities captivate kids while providing a solid foundation for studying earth science in high school. The demos show the actual forces that caused Mt. St. Helens and Kilauea eruptions.
Researchers observed eruptive activity at Northwest Rota-1 for three separate visits over two years, suggesting chronic eruptions. They used an underwater robot to observe explosive activity from 10 feet away, gaining clearer insights than possible on land.
A large and fast-moving lava flow is pouring into the sea on Montagu Island, extending the shoreline on its north side. The event is special because it's rare to observe eruptions under ice sheets, providing unique insights for researchers like Dr John Smellie.
New research shows that volcanic eruptions far north of the equator affect the world's climate differently than volcanoes in the tropics. The study focused on Mount Katmai's eruption in June 1912, finding it had a significant cooling effect during summer months.
Researchers are exploring muon radiography to detect hidden burial chambers in the Pyramid of the Sun, track volcanic eruption potential, and identify illicit nuclear materials. The method involves tracking muons passing through objects, allowing for non-invasive detection with minimal radiation exposure.
Scripps scientists challenge conventional theory on seamount chain formation by finding that hot spot chains can change direction due to processes unrelated to plate motion. The study provides new insights into the dynamics of the earth's interior and suggests alternative explanations for seamount patterns.
The CALIPSO project is the first volcano monitoring system of its type installed at an andesitic volcano. By comparing measurements with a computer model, researchers can understand what's happening beneath the surface. The goal is to measure magma reservoir size, magma inflow, and magma characteristics.
Researchers challenge traditional views on volcano eruptions, finding evidence that giant eruptions are significantly less likely than previously thought. They discovered that plutons, which form beneath volcanoes, are built by small molten intrusions over millions of years.
Researchers have identified a new class of ocean ridges with unique characteristics that challenge current understanding of plate tectonics and sea floor formation. These ultraslow spreading ridges may harbor significant mineral deposits, including copper and zinc, and provide insights into the Earth's mantle.
Researchers challenge traditional explanations for explosive eruptions, suggesting that continuous fragmentation of magma can prevent explosive releases. This theory helps explain the difference in water content between effusive and explosive lava flows.
Researchers found that the Hawaiian hotspot drifted southward between 47-81 million years ago, contradicting the traditional stationary plume theory. This discovery sheds light on terrestrial dynamics and raises fundamental questions about the mantle's role in controlling plate motions.
Researchers DePaolo and Manga argue that mantle plumes are the primary cause of volcanic activity on Earth. They cite strong evidence from Hawaii and other hotspots, including rapid magma movement and unique chemical signatures. The debate highlights the importance of understanding plume origins for connecting seismology and geochemistry.
Professor Phil Gans predicts that volcanic eruptions in Costa Rica are 'inevitable' and could lead to devastating pyroclastic flows. He studied volcanic rocks and found evidence of subduction-related volcanism dating back 24 million years, with major eruptions occurring every few thousand years.
Researchers confirm previous detection of chlorine in Io's plasma torus and model the breakdown of salt into sodium and chlorine atoms, providing insights into Io's volcanic activity and its potential meteoritic origins.
University of Cincinnati geology graduate student Keri Craven investigates how Hawaiian volcanoes age by analyzing rock samples and applying computer models. Her research suggests that the weight of the volcano may drive its aging process.
Researchers discover that the Earth's magnetic field remained stable during a superchron period 95 million years ago, suggesting a single mechanism governs the field. The study also indicates that humanity may face a surprise in the future with possible pole reversals within centuries.
A geologist's study suggests that melting ocean crust under volcanoes can create rich mineral deposits, such as gold and copper. The research provides new insights into the formation of these deposits, which could help identify regions with high potential for mining.
Researchers discovered that nitrogen is quickly recycled through subduction zones in Central American volcanoes. Contrary to expectations, the study found that nitrogen gas was driven down deep into the subduction zone before rising back to Earth's surface in Guatemalan volcano systems.
Researcher Michele L. Aldrich found that Dickinson's poetry incorporated geological terms, indicating an influence from her education at Amherst Academy and Mount Holyoke College. This study aims to encourage students interested in geology to explore the subject through literary examples like Dickinson's poems.
Researchers have found a massive magma reservoir beneath Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, extending over 400 square kilometers and eight kilometers deep. The reservoir is thought to be a zone of neutral buoyancy, where the magma floats in a trapped layer, and may hold clues to future eruptions.
Geologists have found no evidence of impact-induced volcanism on other heavily-impacted planets in our solar system, according to new research by Jay Melosh. The study also provides a theoretical analysis of the conditions created by a large impact on Earth, contradicting a widely-held idea.
A new study simulates the Atlantic Ocean floor's movement over millions of years, predicting that it will plunge beneath the North American continent. The process is expected to take around three million years, triggered by water seeping into offshore rock and making it softer.
A Temple University geologist and his team were visiting Mt. Etna when they received word of an impending eruption, which was predicted to the minute. The team had been working on a sensor that measures gas composition to predict eruptions, and their prediction marked a potential breakthrough in volcanic prediction.
Scientists from University of Wisconsin-Madison propose new model for origin of volcanism in young calderas, suggesting high probability of future catastrophic eruption. Tiny crystals of zircon and quartz harbor geochemical clues to past and future volcanic eruptions, including massive explosions that could disrupt global climate.
Researchers have solved a long-standing volcanic mystery by finding a tear in the Pacific Plate, leading to the melting of cold slab material and altering its chemical makeup. This discovery sheds new light on the formation of adakites, a type of lava found in various parts of the globe.
Scientists warn that living near active volcanic systems poses a significant risk due to unpredictability. Researchers are working to develop predictive models to mitigate the threat of volcanic eruptions, with some areas like Yellowstone and Long Valley Caldera still considered active systems.