Researchers have discovered a simple and surprising control over the depth of a volcano’s magma chamber: how much water it contains.
The finding is significant because water fuels the most devastating eruptions—from Vesuvius in 79 C.E. to Mount Pinatubo in 1991.
As this magma rises through cracks and fissures, it is depressurized. Eventually, the water in the magma is forced out as bubbles of vapor, much like the bubbles in a popped can of carbonated soda. But magma also gets stickier as it loses water, and Rasmussen and his colleagues suspected that it gradually becomes so thick it can rise no farther—at least until a physical disturbance such as an injection of extra magma drives an eruption.
As crystals in the mush of a magma chamber grow, irregularities in their structure can trap tiny bits of pure magma. These bits, known as melt inclusions, cool and harden but remain unaltered through an eruption. “A melt inclusion is like a tiny little magma chamber that gets trapped,” Rasmussen says.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
No new AirPods Pro (yet) as Apple event births new Mac | Digital TrendsWe're still waiting for updated AirPodsPro following the spring Mac event from Apple.
Weiterlesen »
Omega Just Dropped New Speedmaster Watches With New Movements, Dials and MetalMeet Omega's new Speedmaster '57 and a Moonwatch made from Moonshine gold.
Weiterlesen »
Exclusive: Inside a New Residence at Architect David Adjaye’s New NYC Condo BuildingDesigned by Betsy Berry, the condo features custom furniture and wallpaper throughout.
Weiterlesen »
Apple's new privacy policy is finally coming to 5G with a new iPhone SEApple debuted a suite of new devices on Tuesday, March 8, including an iPhone SE, according to the live stream from the Big Tech firm's YouTube channel. Crucially, the new iPhone SE comes with 5G capability. Find out more at 🚀 Engineering
Weiterlesen »