Volcanic Eruptions - New Early Warning System

A study aims to discover a more accurate way to predict when a volcano is going to explode.

17:21 03 February 2016

Scientists at Oxford University have conducted a study that raises hope of discovering a more accurate method to predict when a volcano is about to explode. They are assessing gases emitted from the mouth of a volcano, which provide clues to when an eruption is imminent.

 

The scientists have studied Campi Flegrei volcano in southern Italy. Located in west of Naples, it has been dubbed as Europe’s super volcano. Its last eruption was in 1538. 

 

Prof David Pyle of the University of Oxford, a co-researcher on the study, said the mineral, apatite, can be used to "forensically extract the time history" of a volcano.

 

"You can use it to work out one of the critical things in when a eruption is about to happen - that's the point at which the magma body starts to become rich in gas.”

 

"It will certainly help us think about periods when the volcano is just restless and periods when that rumbling has the potential to lead to an eruption," he explained.

 

Mike Stock, lead researcher on the study, added: "When the magma forms bubbles, the composition of gas at the surface should change, potentially providing an early warning sign,"