Explaining a new technique in studying volcanic eruptions

Press/Media: Blogs and social media

Period10 Oct 2023

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleExplaining a new technique in studying volcanic eruptions
    Media name/outletYou Tube - The University of Manchester's Faculty of Science and Engineering YouTube Channel
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date10/10/23
    DescriptionScientists investigate triggers of explosive volcanic eruptions in lab simulation study
    Scientists at The University of Manchester have effectively simulated how bubbles grow in volcanic magma thanks to a novel pressure vessel that can mimic the eruption process in a laboratory setting.

    With most volcanic activity taking place underground unobserved, for the first time scientists have been able to capture vesiculation kinetics in basaltic magmas in real time. Published today in Science Advances, the study sheds new light on one of nature’s most astonishing phenomena.

    Volcanic eruptions differ drastically, ranging from gentle effusive lava flows to highly explosive events - or sometimes switching between the two at a moment’s notice.

    At the worst end of the scale, volcanic eruptions eject massive volumes of magma and volcanic gases into the air. This causes catastrophic local damage and often prompts wide-reaching global effects too, like air traffic space closure and changes in weather patterns.

    Scientists highlighted that eruptive style is influenced by how gas dissolved in magma is released. Contrasts can be drawn between how a waiter opens a bottle of champagne in a restaurant, and how champagne pops when shaken by Grand Prix winners. Despite both bottles having the same amount of gas, the champagne leaves the bottles at vastly different speeds.
    URLhttps://youtube.com/shorts/NpkKbtheqlo?si=N7gbKiwpRDcr9q57
    PersonsBarbara Bonechi