In a groundbreaking revelation, recent research has unveiled the hidden secrets lying beneath Antarctica’s icy terrain. Scientists have discovered a staggering 138 volcanoes nestled beneath the snow-clad expanse of the continent, making it the largest volcanic region on Earth.
The discovery, published in a study featured in Live Science, sheds light on the previously unknown volcanic activity lurking beneath Antarctica’s pristine surface. This revelation challenges our perception of the frozen continent, long revered for its expansive ice sheets and iconic penguins.
According to the study, conducted by geologists, 91 of these volcanoes were first identified in a 2017 research effort published in the Geological Society journal. While the majority of these volcanoes remain dormant, two have been classified as active: Mount Erebus and Deception Island.
Mount Erebus, situated ominously over the McMurdo research base on Scott Island, has been continuously erupting since at least 1972, emitting plumes of gas and steam. This enigmatic volcano occasionally unleashes strombolian eruptions, characterized by the expulsion of rock “bombs” and the presence of a rare persistent lava lake at its summit crater.
Meanwhile, Deception Island, a caldera of an active volcano, last erupted in 1970. Despite its seemingly tranquil exterior, Antarctica harbors numerous fumaroles and volcanic vents, releasing vapors and gases into the atmosphere.
Conor Bacon, a postdoctoral research scientist at Columbia University, commented on the significance of these findings, highlighting the challenges posed by monitoring and predicting volcanic activity in Antarctica. Despite advancements in instrumentation, the unpredictable nature of volcanic eruptions underscores the need for continued vigilance and research.
As scientists delve deeper into Antarctica’s volcanic landscape, the implications of these discoveries extend beyond scientific curiosity, offering invaluable insights into the dynamic forces shaping our planet’s most remote regions.
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