Greenland’s conditions were once similar to those of a greenhouse. Volcanoes swelled the land, constricted seaways and gigatonnes of greenhouse gases were released into the atmosphere.
The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 sent volcanic dust and gases circling the Earth, creating spectacular sunsets captured by artists.
William Ashcroft via Houghton Library/Harvard University
I look at fragments of the Earth’s mantle under a microscope to learn how fast molten rock moves from deep in the Earth to the surface. This can help us prepare for future volcanic eruptions.
Shane Cronin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Charges regarding last year’s fatal Whakaari/White Island eruption should not be about blame, but about improving hazard warnings and enforcement, particularly for sites with a history of eruptions.
David Dempsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau e Shane Cronin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
New Zealand has several volcanic areas that remain popular tourist destinations. A new early-alert system for eruptions would help operators determine when it is safe to visit an active volcano.
Simon Lamb, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington e Timothy Stern, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
New research confirms that massive plumes of buoyant hot rock once rose from near the Earth’s core to the surface and triggered vast volcanic eruptions - and that New Zealand sits on top of one.
Located on the Ring of Fire, Indonesia is prone to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.
YT Haryono/Reuters
What is political will or political commitment to disaster risk reduction? Why is it important to measure political commitment? And how to measure it?
The Royal New Zealand Navy during a recovery operation on Whakaari/White Island, on December 13. Rescue and recovery efforts have been hampered by hazardous conditions on the island, and the danger of another eruption.
EPA/Royal NZ Navy
The tragedy at Whakaari/White Island highlights the need for consent forms to ensure tourists are fully informed when choosing to visit dangerous locations.
The sudden eruption at White Island was short-lived but produced an ash plume that rose several kilometres above the vent.
GNZ Science
There is evidence for catastrophic climate change from protracted volcanic eruptions in the past, but since the 1950s the emissions we produce far exceed those from volcanic activity.
Montserrat’s Soufriere Hills Volcano erupts in 2009.
Jonathan Stone
Volcanic ash is made of tiny crystal and rock fragments that during an eruption can reach as high as the cruising altitude of commercial aircraft, and that’s a concern for airlines.
The 2018 eruption of Kilauea volcano was preceded by damage of the magma plumbing system at the summit.
Courtesy of Grace Tobin, 60 Minutes
We can’t say that Katla in Iceland is ‘due’ to erupt, no matter what you have read.
Lake Taupo, in the North Island of New Zealand, is a globally significant caldera of a supervolcano that formed following a massive eruption more than 20,000 years ago.
from www.shutterstock.com
When magma rises towards the surface gas bubbles start to form. Whether or not they can escape as the magma is rising affects how explosive the eruption will be.