Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, covered by an icy mantle that hides a series of geological secrets. Recently, studies have revealed the existence of more than 100 volcanoes on this continent, many of which were previously unknown. A study published in the United States National Academy of Sciences has shown that hace 18.000 años Massive eruptions occurred at Mount Takahe, which were responsible for ending the last Ice Age. To better understand the geological time of Antarctica, you can read about curiosities about Antarctica.
Ice records have shown that these eruptions were rich in halogens, which probably resulted in a significant hole in the ozone layer, starting a process of accelerated deglaciationThe effects of these volcanological events extended even to distances of 2.800 km from the eruption site, reaching as far as subtropical zones. The relationship between melting and volcanic activity is a critical issue that needs attention, especially in the context of the climate changeThis phenomenon is closely related to How Antarctic ice is sensitive to climate change.
What could we expect if more than one volcano erupted?
The situation would be greatly aggravated if several volcanoes were to erupt simultaneously. Although the probability of this happening is low, it is not entirely impossible. Within Antarctica, we find both volcanoes on the surface like others subglacial volcanoes that could be active. The possibility of a hole in the ozone layer generated by these eruptions is a critical issue that needs attention, as it can trigger melting processes, which is related to the danger facing the beauty of Antarctica.
Violent eruptions would cause a rapid surface thaw, increasing the risk of other volcanoes also erupting. This accelerated melting would also contribute to raise sea levelsThe balance of ocean currents, which distribute global temperatures, would be altered, affecting not only marine ecosystems but also temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere and potentially the entire planet. This scenario is of primary concern, as it is shaping the future of this continent.
This phenomenon could lead to a Domino effect, where a feedback loop is established: more melting could lead to more eruptions, significantly affecting the global climate. This scenario is of primary concern, as even volcanoes that are not considered supervolcanoes could abruptly destabilize the global climate. For a broader look at climate effects, see the article on how long the current climate change will last.
New research on volcanoes in Antarctica
Recent research has shed light on the complex relationship between melting ice and volcanic activity. A study led by AN Coonin and published in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems points out how the ice loss affects the hidden magma chambers. Through 4.000 computer simulations, researchers have shown that decreasing the pressure on these chambers could increase not only the frequency of eruptions, but also his magnitudeThis process is especially relevant in the context of the Larsen C thaw, which is already causing instability in the area.
This dynamic is a consequence of the lithostatic pressure exerted by ice on the Earth's crust, which, as it melts, allows magma to expand. This process can take several hundred years to occur, but accelerated melting rates due to climate change are compressed into a much shorter time, increasing the risk of volcanic activity. A recent study in Zealand It also highlights how climate change affects the geology of unexplored areas.
A prominent example of this volcanic activity is located in the West Antarctic Rift, where much of the continent's subglacial volcanic activity is concentrated. Volcanoes such as the Mount Erebus, known for its constant lava lake, could be critical points in this process. pressure reduction In these areas, a chain of volcanic events could be triggered, generating effects that could be comparable to those of other global volcanic eruptionsThis phenomenon has also been observed in other parts of the world, affecting their geography.
Invisible but significant eruptions
Although most subglacial eruptions fail to penetrate the surface, their impact is considerable. emanated heat Because magma can melt the ice from the base, thus weakening the upper layers and accelerating the collapse of glaciers. This forms what is known as a volcanic-glacial feedback loop: Melting ice causes a release of pressure on volcanoes, which in turn generates more heat and accelerates melting. To better understand the consequences of these cycles, it is useful to read about the Permian extinction and its lessons about the climate.
This phenomenon has already been observed in other regions, such as Iceland, where eruptions have caused rapid melting of ice and major floods called jökulhlaupsIn Antarctica, the accumulation of multiple subglacial eruptions could dramatically amplify ice loss. Even small eruptions repeated over time have been shown to have a significant impact on global climate patterns, highlighting the importance of understanding the effects of volcanic activity in Antarctica, especially when related to the possible decline of ice on the continent.
Eruptions not only contribute to melting ice; they also affect the structural stability of the ice sheet. This is particularly worrying in areas such as the Amundsen Sea, where glaciers are already retreating and could reach a point of no return in the coming decades. probability of future eruptions increases with climate change.
How the impact was measured
To quantify these risks, Coonin's team developed a thermomechanical model. This model simulates how magma chambers respond to different rates of ice loss, considering factors such as chamber depth, magma content, and dissolved gases. The results show that the rate of melting is crucial: gradual discharge allows the chambers to adjust, while rapid discharge increases the likelihood of eruptions. On the other hand, it should be noted that the relationship between earthquakes and eruptions can influence volcanic behavior.
According to researchers, a critical discharge pressure can trigger additional eruptive events. This means that the rate of melting is as important as the total amount of ice lost. In the most extreme scenarios, a significant increase in volcanic activity could be expected in the coming decades if global temperatures continue to rise. This creates a distinct geological environment that could be studied in future lessons.
Even if the melting process is interrupted, the effects on magma chambers could persist for centuries, because the reduction in pressure permanently alters the composition and behavior of the magma, increasing its capacity to trigger large eruptions in the future. For more information, see the article on dormant volcanoes and its geological relevance.
Long-term implications and future challenges
This study, which highlights the interrelationship between subglacial volcanism and global climate change, raises significant concerns. Among the most alarming consequences is the Rising sea levelsThe collapse of Antarctica's glaciers could raise the oceans by several meters, putting millions of people around the world at risk. Furthermore, volcanic gases released into the atmosphere could intensify global warming. If you want to know more about how climate change is projected, this article article on global warming could offer you an interesting perspective.
However, these discoveries also offer a window into Antarctica's geological past. During the last Ice Age, the continent was covered by much thicker sheets of ice. Therefore, it is possible that similar processes occurred in the past, triggering eruptions that contributed to the melting of earlier eras. Studying these historical events can help us predict how volcanic systems will react to current climate change and how they will affect the future. effects of volcanic activity in Antarctica.
It is essential to intensify the monitoring of Antarctic volcanoes. The use of technologies such as ice penetrating radar and advanced seismic models could provide crucial data to better understand these interactions between ice and magma. Antarctica, with its undiscovered geological mysteries, could play a key role in our understanding of the planet's future.
Antarctica represents a labyrinth of opportunities and uncertainties. In the sands of time, its volcanoes may have lain dormant in the vast solitude of the ice, but climate change is causing them to happen. significant changes that require global attention.
