January 8th 2025.
When you think of Antarctica, a vast expanse of white probably comes to mind. However, a recent study has found that as the frozen continent continues to melt, the possibility of volcanic eruptions becomes more likely and potentially stronger. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when picturing Antarctica, but buried beneath its icy surface are over 100 volcanoes, with only a few visible along the western coast.
The melting of the Antarctic ice sheet, due to the effects of climate change, is causing a significant weight loss on the continent. To put it into perspective, the ice sheet alone weighs about 24,380,000 gigatonnes. This immense weight acts as a lid for the magma chambers beneath, keeping the molten rock under high pressure. However, as the ice melts away, the pressure on these chambers decreases, and the magma has the potential to expand and trigger an eruption. This process is known as "unloading," and it can be compared to removing a cork from a shaken bottle of prosecco.
The removal of the ice sheet also allows for the buildup of gas bubbles, which further increases pressure in the magma chambers. As a result, the study found that the removal of the ice sheet above a volcano could lead to larger and more frequent eruptions. While the majority of Antarctica's volcanoes are currently inactive, the study suggests that this phenomenon could continue over hundreds of years, even if we were to stop emitting greenhouse gases.
It's essential to note that the impact of these eruptions goes beyond what we can see on the surface. The melting ice above the volcanoes causes more magma to be released, creating a feedback loop. This process takes place over a long period, and even if we were to stop contributing to climate change, it would continue. Ilan Kelman, a professor of disasters and health, emphasizes the importance of understanding the interaction between our changing climate and these ancient volcanic systems to prevent potential disasters.
The Antarctic ice sheet, which holds up to 90% of the world's freshwater, is melting at an alarming rate. NASA estimates that between 1992 and 2017, Antarctica lost about three trillion tons of ice. If all the ice were to disappear, global sea levels would rise by approximately 200 feet, which is equivalent to the height of the Eiffel Tower. Therefore, it's crucial to continue studying and understanding the complex relationship between Antarctica's melting ice and its potential impact on volcanic activity.
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