Friday, December 20News That Matters

Tag: Volcano Eruptions

Hot Water on Ancient Mars? Tiny Martian Zircon Reveals Oldest Evidence Yet

Hot Water on Ancient Mars? Tiny Martian Zircon Reveals Oldest Evidence Yet

Breaking News, Learning & Developments, Space
A groundbreaking study has uncovered the oldest evidence of water on Mars dating back 4.45 billion years, just shortly after the planet formed. The discovery, rooted in analysis of a Martian meteorite called NWA 7034, suggests Mars had hot water circulating in its crust, potentially creating environments suitable for microbial life. Key Findings Researchers from Curtin University identified a microscopic zircon grain in the meteorite, which contains minerals that could only form in the presence of water. This water, however, wasn’t just ordinary it was likely scalding hot, resembling conditions in hydrothermal vents or hot springs seen on Earth. “This is the earliest evidence of water on Mars, predating Earth’s oldest water signatures,” said geologist Aaron Cavosie of Curtin Unive...
Researchers Develop Advanced Imaging Method to Probe Volcanoes

Researchers Develop Advanced Imaging Method to Probe Volcanoes

Breaking News, Disasters
A team of researchers from the CNRS and the Paris Institute of Planetary Physics has developed an innovative method for creating high-resolution, deep imaging of volcanoes' internal structures. This breakthrough technique leverages a network of geophones devices that detect seismic waves to capture not only the strong movements caused by earthquakes but also the subtle seismic noise from wind, ocean waves, and human activities. The researchers applied this method to La Soufrière volcano in Guadeloupe, providing an unprecedented 3D view of the volcano’s internal structure to a depth of 10 kilometers with a resolution of around 100 meters. This new imaging technique confirmed the existence of a large magma storage zone, organized as a network of interconnected magma pockets beneath the vo...
Exploring Iceland’s Volcanic Activity and Its Scientific Insights on Volcanic Wonderland

Exploring Iceland’s Volcanic Activity and Its Scientific Insights on Volcanic Wonderland

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment
Iceland, known as "the land of ice and fire," offers a dramatic display of nature's raw power through its volcanic activity. Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula, close to Reykjavík, has witnessed seven eruptions, providing a unique opportunity for scientists to study volcanic behavior. The resurgence of volcanic activity began with the Fagradalsfjall volcano's eruption on March 19, 2021. This was followed by two more eruptions at Fagradalsfjall in 2022 and 2023, and four additional eruptions at the Sundhnúkur fissure system in 2023 and 2024. These eruptions, while spectacular, have also posed threats to local communities, including the fishing town of Grindavík, the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Why So Much Volcanic Activity? Iceland's loca...
Ruang Volcano Eruptions Prompt Evacuation of Hundreds in North Sulawesi

Ruang Volcano Eruptions Prompt Evacuation of Hundreds in North Sulawesi

Breaking News, Disasters
Amidst multiple eruptions of Indonesia's Ruang volcano, located in North Sulawesi province, at least 800 individuals have been evacuated from the area, revealed the country's volcanology agency on Wednesday. Situated on Ruang Island approximately 100 km (62 miles) from the provincial capital Manado, the volcano has unleashed its fury in several eruptions since Tuesday, prompting authorities to escalate the alert level to the second highest. The eruptions, triggered by recent earthquakes on the island, have led to the emission of hazardous and "explosive hot clouds" reaching heights of up to 1.8 km (1.1 miles) into the sky, as confirmed by Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari, an official at Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). "To ensure safety, we...