Volcanic Eruptions on the Rise: Glaciers and Ice Caps to Blame?

Climate change is setting the stage for an increase in volcanic eruptions, warns a new study. The greatest risk lies in West Antarctica, where 100 volcanoes are buried under thick ice that's expected to disappear in the coming decades and centuries. As the ice melts, the pressure on underground magma chambers will be reduced, leading to more frequent and explosive eruptions. This phenomenon is not unique to West Antarctica; other continental regions, such as North America, New Zealand, and Russia, may also experience an increase in volcanicity.

Key Takeaways:

• The study suggests that melting glaciers and ice caps can lead to more frequent and explosive volcanic eruptions due to reduced pressure on underground magma chambers.
• The greatest risk of a resurgence of volcanic eruptions lies in West Antarctica, where approximately 100 volcanoes are buried under thick ice that's expected to disappear in the coming decades and centuries.
• Other continental regions, such as parts of North America, New Zealand, and Russia, may also observe an increase in volcanicity.
• The weight of ice exerts pressure on underground magma chambers, but when glaciers or ice caps melt, this pressure is reduced, and underground gases and magma can expand, leading to explosive eruptions.
• Studies have found that the decrease in pressure due to ice loss can result in the production of magma and increased volcanic activity.
• Precipitation, also modified by climate change, can infiltrate deep underground and react with the magma system to trigger an eruption.
• The latest study examined Chile's Mocho Choshuenco volcano and found that due to a thick ice sheet, pressure had suppressed the volume of eruptions between 26,000 and 18,000 years ago, leading to the formation of a large reservoir of magma.

Statistics:

• Approximately 100 volcanoes are buried under thick ice in West Antarctica.
• The weight of ice exerts pressure on underground magma chambers, but when glaciers or ice caps melt, this pressure is reduced.
• Volcanic eruptions can cause temporary cooling as they release ash or dust into the atmosphere.
• Sulfur dioxide emitted into the atmosphere can stay in the stratosphere for up to three years, moved around by winds, and cause significant cooling worldwide.

Sources:

• 2025 Goldschmidt Conference
• Geochemical Society
• European Association of Geochemistry
• University of Wisconsin-Madison (US)
• University of Exeter (England)
• US Center for Science Education
• IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
• Contify.com