Carbon Dioxide, not water vapor drives volcano eruption, new study reveals startling facts
Agencies
Synopsis
Researchers at Pico do Fogo volcano and Ehime University have come out with startling revelations that may change the understanding of volcanoes and the formation of the Earth’s surface. Know in detail.
By The Feed
A new study may bring a paradigm shift in the understanding of the causes behind the eruption of volcanoes. Contrary to the general belief, the researchers have claimed that it is not water vapor, rather it is carbon dioxide (CO2) that propels the eruption of basaltic volcanoes.
While studying magma at Pico do Fogo, one of the world's most active ocean island volcanoes, scientists found unusual levels of carbon dioxide that generally originate at a depth of 12 to 19 miles below the crust. This depth in much below and is within the mantle.
This newly found result can help the volcano experts in understanding and estimating the point of origin of magma, its flow, and the trigger point of the eruption and they can plan the mitigation process accordingly and in a better way. But scientists have also warned that more study is required to fully understand the nature of basaltic eruptions and the behaviors of such volcanoes.
In another experiment, conducted by the experts of Ehime University, higher levels of ferrous and ferric oxides have been found in the mantle. It has also been found that the ferric iron has been made from ferrous iron oxides under immense pressure, indicating that the magma has been created at a much greater depth below the surface than considered earlier.
Scientists have also revealed that the ferric oxide level at the magma ocean is much higher than that at the upper mantle level. It also suggests that the magma ocean was much more oxidizing than the mantle after the core formation. Thus, it suggests new thinking not only about the formation and eruption of volcanoes, but also about the formation of the earth's crust, the mantle, and the core below it. It also indicates that the formation and composition of the surface of the Earth depend on the oxidation process
Q1. What have the researchers found at Pico do Fogo volcano?
A1. By studying the magma of the basaltic volcano of Pico do Fogo, the researchers have found that the level of carbon dioxide is much higher than that found in the upper mantle. They have also come to the conclusion that carbon dioxide and not water vapor drive the volcano eruptions.
A2. The scientists of Ehime University have found that the ferric content at the magma ocean is much higher than that at the mantle level. It can help understand the formation of the Earth's surface.
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Study of Pico do Fogo magma
While studying magma at Pico do Fogo, one of the world's most active ocean island volcanoes, scientists found unusual levels of carbon dioxide that generally originate at a depth of 12 to 19 miles below the crust. This depth in much below and is within the mantle.
CO2 Drives Volcano Eruption
This newly found result can help the volcano experts in understanding and estimating the point of origin of magma, its flow, and the trigger point of the eruption and they can plan the mitigation process accordingly and in a better way. But scientists have also warned that more study is required to fully understand the nature of basaltic eruptions and the behaviors of such volcanoes.
Ehime University Research
In another experiment, conducted by the experts of Ehime University, higher levels of ferrous and ferric oxides have been found in the mantle. It has also been found that the ferric iron has been made from ferrous iron oxides under immense pressure, indicating that the magma has been created at a much greater depth below the surface than considered earlier.
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Earth's Surface Depends on Oxidation Process
Scientists have also revealed that the ferric oxide level at the magma ocean is much higher than that at the upper mantle level. It also suggests that the magma ocean was much more oxidizing than the mantle after the core formation. Thus, it suggests new thinking not only about the formation and eruption of volcanoes, but also about the formation of the earth's crust, the mantle, and the core below it. It also indicates that the formation and composition of the surface of the Earth depend on the oxidation process
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FAQs:
Q1. What have the researchers found at Pico do Fogo volcano?
A1. By studying the magma of the basaltic volcano of Pico do Fogo, the researchers have found that the level of carbon dioxide is much higher than that found in the upper mantle. They have also come to the conclusion that carbon dioxide and not water vapor drive the volcano eruptions.
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Q2. What have the scientists of Ehime University concluded?A2. The scientists of Ehime University have found that the ferric content at the magma ocean is much higher than that at the mantle level. It can help understand the formation of the Earth's surface.
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
