Beneath Antarctica’s snow: Hundreds of volcanoes with eruptive potential, say scientists

Researchers have been delving into the enigma of numerous volcanoes buried beneath the dense, icy expanses of Antarctica, assessing the likelihood of their eruptions.

Unbeknownst to many, the continent’s western ice sheet is recognized as the most extensive volcanic area on the planet, hosting approximately 138 known volcanoes. This revelation came to light following a 2017 research effort that identified 91 previously undiscovered volcanoes, as reported in the Geological Society journal.

The study delved into these geological formations, which are essentially vents on Earth’s surface, releasing molten material from its core. However, the researchers admitted the difficulty in determining the volcanic activity status of these formations.

Currently, Antarctica boasts two confirmed active volcanoes: Mount Erebus and Deception Island, with the former being the most southerly active volcano globally.

Conor Bacon, a postdoctoral research associate at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in New York, shared insights with Live Science about Mount Erebus. Notably, Erebus has been erupting consistently since at least 1972, characterized by the emission of gas, steam, and occasionally, rock fragments in what are known as strombolian eruptions, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.

A unique aspect of Mount Erebus is its enduring lava lake within one of its summit craters, showcasing molten material at the surface. Such a phenomenon is relatively rare, necessitating precise conditions to prevent the lake’s surface from freezing, Bacon explained.

On the other hand, Deception Island, which forms the caldera of an active volcano, last witnessed an eruption in 1970, based on records from the Deception Island Antarctic Specially Managed Area that oversees the volcanic activities there.

Despite having only two active volcanoes, Antarctica is dotted with fumaroles and volcanic vents that emit steam and gases into the atmosphere.

While scientific instruments are employed to monitor these Antarctic volcanoes, predicting the timing of future eruptions remains a formidable challenge.