Superheated Magma Can Create Towering Lava Fountains

Topic: Earth Science

Scientists from The University of Manchester studied magma from a volcano in Spain. They found that superheating can delay crystal formation, making lava rise faster and create tall fountains. This discovery could help predict volcanic eruptions.

A team of scientists led by Dr. Barbara Bonechi at The University of Manchester wanted to understand why volcanoes with similar characteristics erupt differently. They analyzed magma from the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma, Spain.

The researchers found that superheating can delay crystal formation in magma. Superheating occurs when magma becomes hotter than the temperature at which crystals remain stable. This process removes tiny existing crystals that act as seeds for new crystals to grow. As a result, the magma's internal structure becomes more uniform and less favorable for new crystals to develop.

The team recreated volcanic conditions in the laboratory using magma collected from the Tajogaite eruption. They used synchrotron X-ray microtomography to watch crystals form inside the magma in real time. The experiments showed that strong superheating can prevent crystal formation for more than eight hours.

The researchers used numerical models to simulate how magma moves and changes as it rises through Earth's crust. Their findings suggest that a long delay in crystallization can keep magma relatively fluid, allowing it to rise rapidly toward the surface. This fast-moving magma could help generate dramatic lava fountains.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important for India because it can help scientists predict volcanic eruptions and prepare communities for potential disasters. Volcanoes are a significant threat in many parts of the world, including Indonesia, Philippines, and Italy, which have active volcanoes near populated areas.

Key Facts

• Scientists from The University of Manchester studied magma from the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma, Spain.
• Superheating can delay crystal formation in magma by more than eight hours.
• The researchers used numerical models to simulate how magma moves and changes as it rises through Earth's crust.
• A long delay in crystallization can keep magma relatively fluid, allowing it to rise rapidly toward the surface.
• This discovery could help scientists predict volcanic eruptions and prepare communities for potential disasters.

Key Terms

Superheating

When magma becomes hotter than the temperature at which crystals remain stable.

Synchrotron X-ray microtomography

A technique used to watch crystals form inside magma in real time.

Implications

This discovery is important for India because it can help scientists predict volcanic eruptions and prepare communities for potential disasters. Volcanoes are a significant threat in many parts of the world, including Indonesia, Philippines, and Italy, which have active volcanoes near populated areas.