New insight into magma chambers could improve volcano models

Science

Image: DANIEL RASMUSSEN/SMITHSONIAN

Researchers have discovered a simple and surprising control over the depth of a volcano’s magma chamber: how much water it contains. The finding is significant because water fuels the most devastating eruptions—from Vesuvius in 79 C.E. to Mount Pinatubo in 1991.

The work could also help improve models that predict eruptions, which for years have been based on a volcano’s seismic rumblings and records of its past behavior. Read more on the Science website…