Antarctica, the frozen continent known for its icy landscapes, may seem like an unlikely place for volcanic activity. However, hidden beneath the snow are 138 volcanoes, with 91 of them being discovered as recently as 2017. While most of these volcanoes are considered dormant or possibly extinct, there have been historical eruptions recorded, such as those of Penguin Island in 1905, Deception Island in 1970, and Mount Erebus in 1972.
Among these volcanoes, Mount Erebus stands out as the tallest active volcano on the continent, with its summit reaching 12,448 feet. Additionally, it holds the title of being the southernmost active volcano on Earth. Satellite images have captured a hot lava lake bubbling in its summit crater for over three decades, with continuous eruptions since at least 1972.
One fascinating aspect of Mount Erebus is that it spews out tiny specks of gold dust along with volcanic gas during its eruptions. According to scientists, the volcano produces around 80g of gold in a single day, which is valued at more than £4,800 or $6,000. Strikingly, traces of this gold have been detected as far as 1,000km away from the volcano as it travels through the air.
The presence of volcanic activity in Antarctica raises questions about the possibility of future eruptions and their potential implications. Researchers face challenges in monitoring these volcanoes due to the continent’s harsh conditions and remote locations. These logistical obstacles make it difficult to predict if any of the 138 volcanoes could potentially pose a threat in the future.
Looking back at historical volcanic eruptions in Antarctica, scientists have linked past events to significant environmental impacts. For instance, Mount Takahe, located near the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, was responsible for eruptions rich in ozone-consuming halogens around 18,000 years ago. These eruptions contributed to the depletion of the ozone layer and played a role in warming the southern hemisphere, ultimately ending the last ice age.
While the chances of a similar environmental impact occurring again are deemed unlikely, the possibility of future eruptions from the numerous subglacial volcanoes in Antarctica remains. Scientists continue to study these volcanic activities to better understand their behavior and potential risks in the future. As research progresses, the unique volcanic landscape of Antarctica sheds light on the complex interactions between geology, climate, and the environment in this remote region.