The risi in melting glaciers and ice caps can result in more frequent and more explosive volcanic eruptions, according to a new study. It also stated that the greatest risk of a resurgence of volcanic eruptions lies in west antarctica, where approximately 100 volcanoes are buried under. This Ice is expected to disappear in the coming decades and centuries due to soding global temperatures.
The research was presented at the 2025 Goldschmidt Conference, which is currently underway in pages. It is the Largest International Conference dedicated to Geochemistry, Organized by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry.
Other Continental Regions, Such as Parts of North America, New Zealand, and Russia, Could Also observe an increraze in Volcanicity, Pablooreno-Oireer, from the university of Wisconsin -Madison (USS), Said During.
Climate Change & Volcanic ERUPTIONS
Scientists first suggested thatt Melting ice Could Affect Volcanic Activity in the 1970s. Usually, the weight of the ice exerts pressure on underground magma chams of volcanoes. However, when glassiers or ice caps melt, this pressure is reduced, and underground gass and magma explosive eruptions.
Such a phenomenon has already occurred on the planet. For instance, in iceland, during major deglaciation (the last of which occurred between 15,000 and 10,000 years before the present), Volcanic Erption Rates 30 to 50 Times Higher Higher.
Studies have also found that decrease in pressure due to ICE Loss Can Result in the Production of Magma. That is because rocks Held at lower pressure tends to melt at the lower temperatures.
Another Factor which sems tofect Volcanic Activity is precipitation. “Precipitation – Also modified by climate change – Can infiltrate deep underground and react with the magma system to trigger an eruption,” Thomas aubry, a researchar at the universe at the exter (England). Polytechnique insights.
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The latest study has reitrated these findings. It examined chile’s mocho choshuenco volcano to estimate the age of volcanic rocks produced before, during, and after the last ice age. The research found that due to a little ice sheet over the volcano, pressure had suppressed the volume of eruptions between 26,000 and 18,000 years ago. This LED to the formation of a large reservoir of magma that had built up 10 to 15 km billow the volcano’s surface. However, once this Ice sheet melted, about 13,000 years ago, Explosive ERUPTIONS TEOK PLACE.
The fallouts
Volcanic Eruptions Can Caus Temporary Cooling as they release ash or dust into the atmosphere which blocks sunlight. These eruptions also emit sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere which is more effective than ash particles at cooling the climate. Sulfur Dioxide gos into the stratosphere and reacts with water to form sulfuric acid aerosols. These aerosols Reflect incoming Solar Radiation, Leading to the cooling of the earth’s surface.
“The Aerosols can stand in the stratosphere for up to three years, Moved around by Winds and Causing Significant Cooling Worldwide. Center for Science Education.
However, Sustained Volcanic Eruptions Can Relge Large Amounts of Greenhouse Gases, Including Carbon Dioxide and Methane, which Could Furher Heat the Planet. This can become a vicious cycle – as global temperatures rises, there will be a high rate of melting of ice, which Could cause more eruptions and Further Global Warning.